May 28 2012, 12:39 Fruit-Inform

Ukraine to set a new record in berry and cherry exports in 2012

Ukrainian berry producers have rather ambitious plans for the current strawberry and sweet cherry export season. However, unfortunately, only a will is not enough to implement their plans, as export peculiarities of such a delicate produce category as berries are rather difficult, while competition in the Russian market is almost always high.

“According to our estimates, as of today, no more than 35% of Ukrainian producers are ready to export sweet cherries from Ukraine. Percentage of strawberry producers is even lower. Only some farms cool their produce right after harvesting, while cooling is a necessary condition for logistics. Moreover, packaging and sorting (things that the majority of producers do not provide too) are Russian importers' additional obligatory requirements”, Mrs. Tatiana Basarab, International Relations Manager of Vesta, said at the 3^rd International Conference “Berries of Ukraine – 2012: Frozen Produce & Fresh Market”.

“Prices in Russia are Ukrainian farmers' most important guideline, as they are, as a rule, 30-40% higher. However, only some of them take into account the fact that competition in Russia is always high, therefore it is overpriced produce that preventsfrom implementing Ukrainian exports plans”, Mrs. Basarab added.