Ukrainian Horticulture Significantly Reduced Apple Exports in the 2023/2024 Season

One of the leading Ukrainian horticultural enterprises, located in Khmelnytskyi and part of the Vitagro holding, exported five times fewer apples this 2023/2024 season compared to the previous season, reports EastFruit. This indicates significant changes in the country’s agricultural sector, driven by various economic and market factors.

This is reported by AgroReview

Agronomist’s Perspective: Reasons for the Decrease in Export Volumes

In an interview with the magazine “Horticulture in Ukrainian”, Oleksandr Baran, an agronomist from this enterprise, shared insights about the situation. He explained that the main distribution of apples occurs through supermarket chains across Ukraine, as well as through export channels.

“Usually, our apples go either to supermarket chains (almost all existing in Ukraine, from large to small) or for export,” he said. “However, the export price this season does not differ much from the domestic price. If last year we sent 1,000 tons of apples abroad, this season we have only sent 200 tons, and we will see what happens next; perhaps something will change.”

Overall Situation with Apple Yields and Stocks

According to the enterprise, as of the end of February, there were 3,000 tons of apples remaining in storage out of 10,000 tons harvested. The total harvest amounted to about 17,000 tons, and the company’s refrigeration capacity allows for the storage of up to 12,500 tons.

The agronomist emphasized that the sale of products began during the harvest, and subsequent deliveries are made under contracts with retail chains and exporters. “We make regular, even shipments,” he added.