Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Ukraine: Danone to cover about 60% of its strawberry demand by project in Ternopil region
As it was previously reported by Fruit-Inform, the first cooperative of Ukrainian strawberry growers had been established in July 2012. First 150 tons of strawberries were harvested in summer 2013 and utilized for manufacturing Prostokvashino products. To grow strawberries, Danone Ukraine uses the best global practices: high-quality frigo plants, plastic mulching to prevent soil from drying out and avoid spread of weeds as well as a drip irrigation system saving significant amounts of water and increasing yields.
"Opening a strawberry cooperative in Losiatyn village (Ternopil region, Ukraine), we both secure high-quality sourcing and make a valuable contribution to locals' well-being", said Mr Dario Marchetti, General Director at Danone Ukraine. According to him, establishment of the cooperative enabled many villagers to abandon their traditional seasonal work in Europe and find a job close to home.
It is estimated that eventually, 60% of Danone’s strawberry requirements will be covered by this first project – and more are likely to blossom in other parts of Ukraine in the next few years. For Danone Ecosystem Fund, the issue is also to ensure that the model is successful, so that it can be duplicated in other countries with other fruits.
Danone Ecosystem Fund has previously developed milk suppliers cooperatives to ensure continuous delivery of high-quality raw products. Then, the same collaboration model was extended to the fruit and berry sector with the first project launched with banana growers in Costa Rica.
The model involves bringing growers together into a cooperative, where they receive high-quality plants, grow crops for a particular customer and have an opportunity to improve their working and living conditions.
According to Jean-Christophe Laugée, Social Innovation and Ecosystem Director at Danone, the cooperative both helps farmers and meets the company's requirements in high-quality sourcing as well as gives more value to products in consumers’ eyes, since they are entirely manufactured in Ukraine with the use of Ukrainian raw produce.