Depending on the region in Ukraine, the harvest of apples is either similar to last year, or smaller, says Volodymyr Gurzhiy of Ukrainian apple exporter USPA Fruit: "The current situation varies across the main apple-growing regions, as the frosts came in several waves and at different stages of development of the flower and the fruit. As a result, some regions can be considered to have a normal harvest, while others are seeing yields reduced by half. "
The weather during cultivation was actually quite positive, but right now, during harvesting, it's much less favorable, Gurzhiy explains. "Overall, after the late spring frosts, weather conditions in Ukraine were very favorable for growing apples, which positively affected the quality. However, now growers are struggling with the weather to harvest the crop properly and preserve it. Ukrainian farmers are fighting against the frosts, hail, and other natural disasters throughout the entire vegetative period, and this year, during the harvest period, we're experiencing heavy rains and low temperatures, which have already delayed the harvest by two weeks."
© USPA Fruit
"As of today, the harvest is still ongoing, and we are roughly halfway through. In general, we expect a yield that is below the 10-year average, but considering that late frosts have become the norm in recent years, the harvest can be considered average compared to the last three years."
Ukrainian apples are becoming more popular, with Gurzhiy emphasizing that the shortage of apples in Europe might add to this fact: "Demand for Ukrainian apples is generally quite high. Buyers can distinguish our apples from those of other countries in the region, pointing out the high pressure of the apples, good taste, and attractive appearance. As for the current demand, almost all the target markets are quite active, with many new inquiries coming in. At the same time, we have to fulfill previously agreed contractual supplies. All of this is happening against the backdrop of an apple shortage, as there are not enough workers for the harvest, and, as I mentioned earlier, the weather is also not favorable for picking."
© USPA Fruit
Gurzhiy is happy to say that Ukrainian apples are now also being exported to the Canadian market for the very first time. "A few years ago, we initiated the process of opening the Canadian market for Ukrainian apple exports. As a result, the Canadian side has confirmed and agreed on the necessary conditions. Therefore, the first shipments of our apples are expected to be sent to Canada this season. At USPA Fruit, we have done significant groundwork to make this happen. Given the low apple harvest in Turkey and the high activity of Turkish traders, I expect we will see many inquiries from that direction as well."
"Based on multiple factors, we forecast that the 2025/2026 season will be a high-price season.
In addition to weather conditions and a lower harvest, which are already strong price-driving factors, there are also objective economic reasons contributing to price growth. These include: high inflation across Europe, and the revaluation of the euro against the US dollar, especially considering that the primary export markets for Ukrainian apples operate mainly in USD," Gurzhiy concludes.
For more information:
Volodymyr Gurzhiy
USPA Food LLC
Tel: +380 50 925 57 32
Email: [email protected]
www.uspafood.com
