EastFruit analysts draw attention to Ukraine's success in exporting premium quality apples. In particular, in one of the most important and capacious markets in the Middle East with a high level of prices and competition, Ukraine confidently ranks second in terms of supply volumes in December – January. Only to Iran, which sells apples in lower price segment exceeds Ukraine in terms of apple export volumes to the UAE.
At the same time, Ukraine is confidently ahead of the world's largest apple exporters such as China, the USA, Poland, France, Turkey, Italy, and Serbia on this market. The main advantage of Ukrainian apples on the market of UAE, according to importers, is the excellent taste of apples, excellent coloring of red varieties and a very competitive price for the premium price segment.
Let us note that it is extremely difficult for Ukraine to maintain competitiveness in such distant markets, since, due to Russian aggression, direct container shipments from Ukrainian Black Sea ports was blocked until recently. However, the resumption of such shipments is expected in the near future, which will significantly increase the competitiveness of Ukrainian fruits on the export markets.
In general, in January 2024, Ukrainian exporters were able to supply large quantities of apples to 22 countries, which is a huge achievement, given the incredible difficulties for farmers and traders. In addition to the blockade of boarder by Poland and Russian aggression, Ukrainian growers are faced with a severe shortage of labor to harvest apples and to work in their apple sorting and packaging centers.
It is expected that in February 2024, the demand for Ukrainian apples in the UAE will decrease slightly, because new crop apples from the Southern Hemisphere, in particular from South Africa, will begin to arrive. However, deliveries of apples from Ukraine will continue until the end of the season, although volumes may decrease.
For more information: east-fruit.com