Ukraine is preparing to boost its exports of frozen blackcurrants, taking advantage of growing international demand. With a stable market price and increasing global interest, Ukrainian farmers see a promising opportunity for this berry.
In recent years, domestic consumption of blackcurrants has declined due to the temporary loss of major consuming regions like Crimea and Donbas. As a result, farmers and exporters are now focusing on expanding their presence in foreign markets, particularly in frozen berry exports.
The President of the Ukrainian Horticultural Association, Taras Bashtannik, highlights that blackcurrants are relatively affordable to grow, with opportunities for full mechanization. This reduces production costs and makes the berry highly competitive in the global market. Currently, demand remains strong for frozen blackcurrants, especially in Europe.
According to experts, the price of blackcurrants has been steadily high in recent years. In 2024, Ukrainian farmers received up to 65-75 UAH (about 1.8-2.0 EUR) per kilogram, compared to 30-40 UAH (0.8-1.1 EUR) in previous years. With this price trend, blackcurrant production is projected to become more profitable for farmers.
Experts also note that while blackcurrant prices are expected to stay high in the next two years, they may decline afterward due to the cyclical nature of agricultural production. Farmers are encouraged to invest in modern planting and harvesting technologies to maintain profitability despite these fluctuations.
The blackcurrant business also offers rapid returns. According to Ukrainian growers, plantations can become profitable within three years, with minimal costs for maintenance and high yields. For example, the average yield per hectare is around 6 tons, and the initial investment for a 50-hectare plantation is estimated at 7 million UAH (about 190,000 EUR). Mechanized harvesting further enhances efficiency and makes blackcurrants an attractive crop for large-scale production.
Despite challenges such as labor shortages and water availability, Ukrainian farmers remain optimistic about the future of blackcurrant cultivation and export. With strong demand and strategic planning, Ukraine is well-positioned to increase its share in the international market for frozen berries.
Source: www.seeds.org.ua / kurkul.com