This season, Ukrainian fruit and berry producers faced significant yield losses due to weather anomalies, but prices soared to record levels, averaging 1.5–2 times higher than last year, according to Taras Bashtannik, president of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UFOA).
Strawberries and raspberries saw significant yield reductions, with losses averaging 40–50% for strawberries and 20–30% for raspberries. Yet raspberry prices rose about 20% compared to last year, and Ukraine is expected to lead European exports of frozen raspberries for the second consecutive year, ahead of Poland and Serbia.
Blueberry crops were more variable, with losses ranging from 15% to 90%, particularly affecting mid-season varieties such as Bluegold. Average farm-gate prices reached around $4/kg, up from $2.50/kg last year.
Plums were down 15–20%, yet prices increased by 30–40%, making the season profitable for the fresh market. Pear and apple production remained stable, with good quality harvests supporting both domestic sales and active exports to Eastern Europe and the EU.
Source: www.seeds.org.ua
