June 1 2011, 15:16 Fruit-Inform

Bad harvest can ruin Ukraine's plans on sweet cherry exports to Russia

Sweet cherry sales campaign has started in Ukraine. According to Fruit-Inform Project, sweet cherry prices in the southern regions vary within UAH 10-17/kg (EUR 0.87-1.48/kg) depending on the quality. As to Zakarpattia region, sweet cherries are sold there at UAH 4-12/kg (EUR 0.35-1.05/kg). Producers from this region say that demand for their produce is very low due to bad quality of sweet cherries.

Ukrainian producers plan to increase significantly their export sales to the Russian market in this season. At the same time, market participants doubt implementation of these plans. Many think that farmers will have a problem with batching of sweet cherry export lots. The fact is that, according to estimates of producers, sweet cherry yields in this season will be lower than expected earlier. Due to long period of cold weather, the pollination process was badly affected that resulted in higher number of barren flowers. This is also a reason of the quality of sweet cherries able to be worse in this season that can have a negative impact on sweet cherry exports.

More detailed information about factors to have an influence on Ukraine's market for sweet cherries and other fruits and vegetables is available in the fundamental study “Fruit and Vegetable Market of Ukraine-2011: Results and Forecasts for the Next Season”. Besides detailed production and price forecast for the current season, it includes all statistical information on production, processing and international trade in fresh fruits and vegetables in Ukraine and contact details of the biggest producers.

The study can be ordered at International Relations Department of Fruit-Inform Project by phone: +380 96 5836323, or via e-mail: [email protected].