Despite the difficulties caused by the war, labor shortages, and rising costs, the berry sector in Ukraine is showing signs of resilience.
Production is stabilizing thanks to internal reorganization, while exports, driven by global demand, are recording strong growth.
Stable production despite challenges
In recent years, berry production in Ukraine has slowed its decline.
This result was influenced by a restructuring of production shares among different types of berries, which helped contain losses despite infrastructure destruction, the exodus of agricultural workers, and rising production costs.
Growing exports: global demand as the driver
In 2024, exports of fresh berries grew by 72% compared to 2022, while frozen products recorded a 24% increase.
Poland (34%) and the Netherlands (28%) are the main buyers of fresh fruit, both doubling their purchases compared to 2022.
Shares are also rising for Georgia, Germany, Moldova, and Romania.
For frozen berries, the main markets are Poland (35%), Germany (23%), Austria (10%), and Italy (8%).
Strawberries: declining production and rising imports
Between 2023 and 2024, strawberry production fell by only 4% (2,000 tons), slowing the negative trend of 2022 (-12%).
However, the reduced domestic supply has increased imports of fresh strawberries, 95% of which come from Greece.
Exports of fresh strawberries have been in steady decline since 2017, but in 2024 a modest recovery was recorded (+30% compared to 2023), thanks to demand from Romania.
Frozen strawberries, on the other hand, are gaining ground: although still 20% below pre-war 2022 levels, they have exceeded 2023 volumes.
The main markets are Poland (60%) and Germany (10%).
On the import side, supplies from Egypt stand out, tripling compared to 2023.
Raspberries: frozen boom, fresh struggles
Total raspberry production fell by 2,700 tons (-7.5%).
Exports of fresh raspberries, more sensitive to market dynamics, have been hit hard.
Poland and the Netherlands remain the main buyers.
Imports of fresh raspberries are limited to premium varieties, mainly from Spain and Morocco, but are declining.
The situation is different for frozen raspberries: exports are steadily increasing by 10,000 tons each year.
Germany (30%) has tripled imports compared to 2022, while Poland remains the leading market (40%).
Belgium, Austria, Italy, and France are also growing.
Currants: declining production, exports recovering
Red currants show a steady production decline of 6–7% per year.
Nevertheless, in 2024, exports of fresh produce returned to 2022 levels, driven by more competitive prices offered by European markets compared to the domestic one.
Poland absorbs over 90% of Ukrainian exports, followed by Moldova.
Imports are almost non-existent.
For frozen currants, exports remain 40% lower than in 2022 but have doubled volumes compared to 2023.
Poland (40%) is still the main market, followed by Germany (15%), France (5%), Austria (5%), and Italy (4%).
Ukrainian purchases of frozen currants have halved compared to 2023, mainly supplied by Germany and the Netherlands.
Blueberries: growing production, soaring exports
Although official data cover only part of the cultivated area, the growth trend in blueberries is clear: production has almost doubled since 2022, thanks to new plantings and improved productivity of existing ones.
Exports of fresh blueberries increase by 2,000–3,000 tons each year.
The Netherlands (40%) doubled imports in 2024, while Poland accounts for 30%.
They are followed by Georgia (6%), Moldova (5%), and the United Kingdom (5%).
Ukrainian imports of fresh blueberries have fallen, halved compared to 2023; main suppliers remain Spain, Peru, and Morocco.
Frozen blueberries are recovering after logistical problems in 2023, reaching 2022 levels.
Main destinations are Poland (30%), Germany (20%), Austria (15%), and Italy (20%).
Imports concern only premium varieties, supplied by Poland and Canada.
Challenges and opportunities for Ukraine
Despite unprecedented challenges, Ukraine is showing remarkable adaptability in the berry sector.
The growing exports represent a crucial outlet for a sector increasingly aiming at integration into European markets.
Future prospects will depend on the stability of the geopolitical context and the ability to innovate production infrastructure.
Source: uaberries.com
