Before Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine stood as a prominent exporter of sweet cherries, with a substantial 89.5% of its exports directed to Belarus. However, the early 2022 occupation of Melitopol plantations in Zaporizhzhia Oblast has profoundly affected Ukraine's ability to sustain this export. Farmers and industry experts have shared insights into how this sector has been affected.

By 2022, approximately 80% of Ukraine's cherry market was dominated by products under the renowned "Melitopol Cherries" brand, as stated by Iryna Kukhtina, President of the Ukrainian Berry Association.

The import filled the void in the market last year. Sweet cherries arrive in Ukraine from Greece, North Macedonia, Moldova, and Spain, Turkey has emerged as the primary supplier, according to Kukhtina.

On a positive note, Ukraine's domestic cherry production has seen a resurgence. This year, farms from the Chernivtsi and Odesa regions have been leading the charge, with cherries from the Vinnytsia and Zakarpattia regions also making appearances.

Exported cherries generally appear on the market in May, making them significantly more expensive than local produce, explains Andriy Melekh, co-founder of the Uzhhorod farming enterprise Konik. "If you purchase sweet cherries at the peak of the season, starting June 10, you are likely supporting local producers. By mid-June, the share of imports drops from 80-90% to about 30%, with 70% being Ukrainian produce," Melekh elaborates.

Renowned Ukrainian enterprises like Uman Fruit Company, Artberry, and Bukovita uphold stringent global standards across their sweet cherry cultivation processes, ensuring quality and reliability.

Source - https://www.freshplaza.com