August 16 2006, 12:34 Agrarian Marketing Project

In 2006 Ukrainian enterprises will produce more than 1 mln. tons of canned produce and juices

According to the data of the Agricultural Marketing Project, in 2005 Ukrainian enterprises produced 949,800 tons of processed fruits and vegetables. More than 70% of produce in this segment were juices and nectars (672,000 tons). Canned vegetables constitute 15.8%, canned fruits - 10%, the remaining less than 5% are semi-cooked potato, dried, frozen or processed by some other methods vegetables and fruits.

The processing rates increased 43% in 2005 comparing to 2004; the processing volumes grew mostly due to juice production (42% increase). The production of canned vegetables increased 50% in 2005.

Taking into account the continuous, intensively growing demand both for juices and canned produce, we can forecast the same vigorous growth of processing rates in 2006. For example, VITMARK cannery has already informed about 66% increased juice production in the first half 2006 comparing to the same period of time in 2005. Vegetable processors will also be able to significantly build up processing volumes this year. They plan to fully load processing capacities in 2006, as there are no problems with raw materials now.

We can forecast with the great share of confidence that the volumes of processed fruit and vegetable commodities are likely to exceed 1 mln. tons. Maxim Yenchenko, the Market Information Specialist of the Agricultural Marketing Project thinks this figure can reach even 1.2-1.3 mln. tons.

According to the data of State Statistics Committee, in 2004 and 2005 the production of processed fruit and vegetable commodities was as follows: