Ukrainian processors report a significantly smaller share of berries entering the freezing industry this season, around 35% less compared to vegetables. According to Tevitta sales manager Ihor Usatyi, most berries were sufficiently available on the domestic market, except for wild blueberries, which suffered from a notably weak harvest.
Tevitta, one of Ukraine's key processors of frozen berries, fruits, and vegetables, operated almost year-round in 24/7 mode, shifting from strawberries and raspberries in summer to pumpkin, onions, and other vegetables in autumn. Production plans for berries were met and in some categories even exceeded.
However, high raw-material prices became the main limiting factor for processors. "Berry prices this year were significantly higher than in previous seasons, so we avoided taking risks with large volumes," Usatyi noted.
Wild blueberries and wild blackberries saw a twofold price increase, while sour cherries reached their highest price level in a decade. Such volatility complicates operations for freezing companies, especially those working with export contracts, as international buyers do not expect sharp price jumps and are reluctant to adjust purchase prices accordingly.
Source: agroportal.ua
