Ukraine’s berry industry continues to evolve, combining modernization, export growth, and sustainable production practices as local producers strengthen their presence in the European market.
In western Ukraine, Deddenz Agro, an organic producer from the Rivne region, is expanding its strawberry and raspberry plantations. Currently, both crops cover 22 hectares each, within a total farmland area of 6,000 hectares. According to agronomist Dmytro Brytsov, the company has begun planting strawberries on raised beds to improve labor efficiency and facilitate harvesting. Each picker collects between 100 and 250 kilograms of berries daily.
To address previous limitations in freezing capacity, Deddenz Agro invested in its own shock-freezing line operating at −32°C, with a daily capacity of 6 tonnes and storage for 140 tonnes. The berries are sorted and packed in various box sizes, allowing full quality control. The company exports mainly to Europe and relies on solar energy to power its cold storage facility. “Developing the berry business without in-house freezing is not profitable,” Brytsov noted.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s blackcurrant sector shows signs of stabilization. According to the Ukrainian Berry Association, production has still been declining by 6–7% annually since 2022, but export dynamics remain positive. Exports of fresh blackcurrants have returned to 2022 levels, with Poland absorbing over 90% of shipments. Exports to Moldova are also recovering. For frozen blackcurrants, exports doubled in 2025 compared to 2023, though volumes remain 40% below 2022 levels. Main destinations include Poland (40%), Germany (15%), France (5%), Austria (5%), and Italy (4%), while imports have halved, mainly coming from Germany (60%) and the Netherlands (40%).
Just outside Kyiv, Goldberry, founded in 2017 by Volodymyr Chornobai, is another example of the new generation of Ukrainian berry enterprises. Operating under the GREENGRACE brand, the company cultivates over 51 hectares of raspberries, strawberries, and vegetables. It has already exported 40 tonnes of strawberries and 100 tonnes of raspberries in frozen form to Europe. Plans include building a processing and freezing plant, expanding irrigation to 1,000 hectares, and obtaining Global G.A.P. certification.
Chornobai emphasizes that people are the company’s greatest asset: “We want Europe to see Ukrainian producers as reliable partners, and that depends on every one of us.”
Source: agroportal.ua / uaberries.com