"Exports of frozen raspberries produced in Ukraine increased by 45% in the first four months of 2018 compared to the same period last year, and the country exported 37,000 tonnes of the product in the first four months of the year, a new record for the period. In 2017, exports over the same period were 25,000 tonnes, and in 2016 it was less than 1,000 tonnes," analysts at EaUstFruit said.
The main market for Ukrainian frozen raspberries is Poland, which exported 1,300 tons this year, 26% more than in 2017. In addition, the Czech Republic was the second largest importer of Ukrainian raspberries in 2018, with the largest increase in imports. During this period, Ukrainian raspberry exports to the Czech Republic increased fivefold compared to the same period last year to 800 tons.
Exports of Ukrainian frozen raspberries to Lithuania also increased fivefold to almost 300 tons, and exports to France increased by 2.3 times to 280 tons.
Overall, Ukraine exported 15,700 tons of raspberries in 2017, 31% more than the previous year. Exports of fresh raspberries amounted to 1.2 million tons, accounting for 8% of the export volume, a new record in Ukrainian history. The main buyers of Ukrainian raspberries this season are Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Germany and France. Exports increased significantly in all countries except Germany. Germany is buying 40% fewer raspberries from Ukraine this season than last year.
In addition, Ukraine has shipped large quantities of raspberries to the UK and Mexico for the first time.