Ukrainian apple growers entered the 2025 season with concern after a cold spring and late frosts threatened orchards. Early procurement prices reached UAH 60–70/kg, raising fears of a domestic shortage.
Today, however, the market appears more balanced. According to preliminary estimates, the 2025 harvest is roughly in line with last year's volumes, and in some regions even higher. Still, producers do not expect cheap apples this season.
"The cost of production has increased, quality fruit remains scarce, and energy and logistics expenses haven't returned to pre-war levels," explains Ihor Kupranets, entrepreneur and owner of the Gaderia brand.
He notes that this season has proven one key point: the decisive factor is not yield, but process management; from orchard care and harvesting precision to storage and processing efficiency. These improvements have helped prevent shortages of apple juice and concentrate in Ukraine. In August and September, prices fell to UAH 35–45/kg, though they remain above pre-war levels.
For Gaderia, the main focus this year was supplying the domestic market. "We deliberately reduced export shipments to ensure shelves in Ukrainian stores remain stocked. This meant losing part of our foreign currency revenue but gave consumers confidence in product availability," says Kupranets.
The company has also strengthened cooperation with local cooperatives to secure a stable supply of raw materials for juice production and continues to invest in modern storage and processing infrastructure to minimize losses and maintain quality.
According to Kupranets, the 2025 season highlights resilience over volume. "The winners will be those who invest in climate protection systems, advanced storage, and digital traceability. Stability, quality, and responsibility to consumers are not just seasonal strategies; they define our philosophy," he emphasizes.
Source: agroportal.ua
