July 13 2006, 10:50

"Velyka Spokusa" plans to double production volumes this year

The enterprise UKRSERVICE produces premium-class canned commodities under trademark "Velyka Spokusa". Hennadiy Strelnikov, the Director of the enterprise, inform "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal about plans to double production this year. The enterprise plans to produce around 1.5 mln. of standard jars of pickled cucumber and tomato. The cannery is supposed to reach the capacity of 6 mln. standard jars/year in two years.

Mr. Strelnikov thinks the supply of raw materials is significantly better this year. At the present moment the enterprise is almost fully loaded with raw materials. The result was achieved due to own production (it covers about 70% of needs in cucumber), and also due to timely established long-term cooperation with the professional producers. This cooperation included also partial lending of funds for some trustworthy suppliers. Still, they are ready to consider additional supplies of pickling, around 2-3 tons/day.

According to the preliminary assessments done by the analysts of the Agricultural Marketing Project, in 2006 cucumber cultivation area has already extended 15-20% in average in Ukraine (and, the acreage already reached its top record past year). Cucumber production will grow 25-27%; if the weather and phytosanitary conditions are favorable, cucumber production can grow even 35-40%.

Cucumber production growth has already influenced purchase prices offered by local processors for raw materials. Now the purchase price is $0.23-0.29/kg; past year cucumber was purchased for $0.37-0.49/kg.