Ukraine continues to strengthen its position in the berry and fruit market. According to Taras Bashtannik, President of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UPOA), around 40% of perennial plantations are entirely new projects, while 60% are existing farms that expand, modify areas, or add new plots. Key crops established after 2022 include nuts (1,300 hectares), apples (1,020 hectares), and blueberries (740 hectares), with production spread across multiple regions.
Prices this year are significantly higher than last year, with expected export profits 30–40% above the previous season. Export blueberries averaged $3.5–4 per kilogram, while domestic prices ranged from $2.5 to $3.5. Frozen raspberries sold at 120–140 UAH per kilogram of raw material, while export-quality fruit reached up to $4.2 per kilogram. Apples at the start of the season are already seeing export prices above €1.5 per kilogram, covering costs and offering profitability.
Investments vary by crop. Blueberries require around $30,000 per hectare, while strawberries and raspberries start from $12,000 per hectare. Minimum export-oriented projects should cover at least 50 hectares and include cold storage, post-harvest handling, mechanization, and sufficient seasonal labor. Long-term planning of 5–7 years is essential due to variability in annual profitability and the instability of the domestic market, making export orientation critical for sustainable returns.
Ukraine is a major player in the European berry market, with approximately 98% of berries exported to Europe, primarily Germany and the Netherlands. Frozen raspberry exports are projected at 70–80 thousand tons this year, maintaining Ukraine's position as a leading supplier. Apples and vegetables have limited demand in Europe, so Eastern countries, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and, gradually, the USA and Canada are considered potential export markets. Processed products such as jams, dried or freeze-dried fruit currently have minimal demand, with frozen berries remaining the main product for export. Competition from established companies in Europe makes processed fruit exports challenging.
Organic production, once promoted by Ukrainian farmers, is declining. Interest and supply from producers are decreasing, confirming that organics are not a strategic growth area for the sector at present.
The UPOA actively unites 37 member companies, mainly berry and apple producers, and coordinates grants, information exchange, and policy input. Cooperation between independent investors is generally ineffective unless a single enterprise is created with clear ownership shares. Success depends on careful project planning, export orientation, adequate logistics including cold storage and post-harvest processing, and availability of seasonal labor.
Source: landlord.ua
