Analysts from the EastFruit news service reported that in 2023 Ukraine's fresh blueberry exports reached a record value of USD 16.5 million, surpassing the value of apple exports for the first time.
Apple exports generated USD 14.1 million in the same period.
Currently, blueberries rank third in terms of annual revenue in the fruit category, after nuts and frozen fruits and berries. Furthermore, blueberries, together with frozen raspberries, represent the fastest growing segment in the Ukrainian fruit and vegetable export market. Export revenues for these products have increased annually by 22% to 28%, according to EastFruit.
Ukrainian apples find their way onto international markets almost all year round, unlike blueberries, which cannot be stored for long and are exported from July to October. This reduced export window accounts for the entire revenue volume and underlines the attractiveness of blueberries for investors who want to establish new plantations with the help of subsidies.
Source: Fruchthandel
