April 29 2010, 09:49 Fruit-Inform

Berries gain market share in Eastern Europe

Soft fruits are gaining popularity among consumers in the countries of Eastern Europe, according to information received from the retail chains and wholesale trade. Ukrainian supermarket chains said that when they introduced conveniently packed fresh strawberries from professional growers, sales of all products in the produce departments immediately picked up. Dynamics if strawberry, raspberry and sweet cherry sales in the retail chain demonstrate 30-50% increase in the outlets handling these berries properly. However, many retailers still do not offer a good enough selection of perishable berries due to high risks of handling it and high percentage of spoilage.

During the first international conference “Berries of Ukraine – 2010” supermarket chains, traders and professional growers are expected to exchange their views on how efficient supply chain of berries could be established. As of today most of the largest berry growers of Ukraine have registered to attend the conference.

Conference will be held at the largest produce wholesale market of Ukraine “Shuvar” simultaneously with the exhibition devoted to berry production, processing and handling on May 20, 2010. On the second day of the event participants of the conference will visit one of the largest strawberry farms in Ukraine “Agro Fruitika Byshkiv” and a berry processing company “Galfrost”.