Apples exports from Ukraine increased 3.7 times in Jul-Aug

In July-August 2018, the Ukrainian fruit growers increased apple exports by 3.7 times as compared with the corresponding period in 2017.

The analysts of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetables Association (UFVA) inform that during the last two months of summer, 3,300 tons of apples were exported from Ukraine for the amount of USD 940 thou., while in July-August 2017 — only 480 tons for USD 139 thou.

"Most of the Ukrainian apple exports in August were varieties of Gala. In addition to this variety, apples of early summer varieties were also exported. In July, a rather large volume of apples of the harvest of 2017 was exported. The producers could get a higher price thanks to the high quality of apples, colouring and search for sales markets," the UFVA reports.

According to the forecasts of the Association's experts, the export of apples in MY2018/19 may double and make up 80-90 thou. tons. At the same time, analysts believe that the apple harvest this year will allow to export almost twice as many apples than it is forecasted.

Experts note that the problem may be a low level of equipment with modern optical sorting lines of adequate capacity and a shortage of quality packaging.

"Most likely, a significant part of the record harvest of apples in MY2018/19 will get processed, and, unfortunately for producers, prices also remain relatively low," the report says.

In the first half of 2018, Ukraine exported fruit and berry products to more than 50 countries, including the EU countries, the Eurasian Union (except Russia), Africa, Europe and a number of Asian countries.