The first Ukrainian producing companies appeared and began to supply blueberries directly to the leading EU networks.
Last year, Ukraine set a historic record for blueberry exports – more than 4 thousand tons of fresh berries. This was reported by EastFruit analysts.
Such a high number against the backdrop of a large-scale war and border blockade was unexpected even for market participants.
According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there are many young blueberry plantations in Ukraine, so the average yield, and therefore berry production, is growing naturally.
“However, the area of blueberries in the country continues to grow, because against the growing export of berries, this business remains attractive for investment, subject to a reasonable approach to its planning and implementation The factor is the decline in domestic demand after millions of Ukrainian citizens were forced to leave their country,” said Andrey Yarmak, an economist at the FAO Investment Department.
Suboptimal weather conditions and a drop in supplies from Peru, which is the largest blueberry exporter, also played into exporters’ hands. Abnormal heat in the South American country led to a drop in exports and a sharp increase in blueberry prices in Europe. It served as an impetus for the growth of exports in an unusual period for Ukraine – in August-September, and at very high prices.
Among the success factors for Ukrainian blueberry exporters in the foreign market is the diversity of supplies. Poland ceased to be a reliable partner, so exports to this country decreased by 39%. At the same time, supplies of Ukrainian blueberries to Germany, which, by the way, is the main market for berries from Poland, increased 18 times. In other words, Ukraine has begun to take away Germany’s blueberry market share from Poland.
In addition, exports of Ukrainian blueberries to the Netherlands increased by 37%, and to Spain and some other EU countries by more than four times. Exports of blueberries from Ukraine to the UK increased by 11%.
Also, the first Ukrainian producing companies appeared, which began to supply blueberries directly to the leading EU networks.
We remind you that based on the results of April of this year, a new record was set for the export of goods from Ukraine.
It was also reported that in the 2023/2024 marketing year (from July 1, 2023 to May 1, 2024), Ukraine exported 41.365 million tons of grain and legumes.
Source: korrespondent
I’m Liza Grey, an experienced news writer and author at the Buna Times. I specialize in writing about economic issues, with a focus on uncovering stories that have a positive impact on society. With over seven years of experience in the news industry, I am highly knowledgeable about current events and the ways in which they affect our daily lives.