In the 2025/26 marketing year, Ukraine has a chance to lead the global frozen raspberry market. And it's not just a dream - it's a clear forecast backed by EastFruit's analytics and real market events.

📉 What is happening with competitors?

🇷🇸 Serbia:

✔️ The worst harvest in a decade.
✔️ Frosts, fungal diseases and rains have damaged a large part of the plantations.
✔️ Ageing plantations (many more than 10 years old).
✔️ Reduction in space due to lack of labour.
✔️ Production decline forecast: -20-30%.

🇵🇱 Poland:

✔️Весняні varieties (40-50% of the crop) were seriously affected.
✔️Ситуація is similar: weather factor + loss of space.

As a result, there is a shortage of products on the EU market and the price of frozen raspberries is already 4.6 euros/kg 🫰

🇺🇦 And what about Ukraine?

🔹 Autumn varieties that are not affected by spring frosts prevail.
🔹 The potential for export growth is record-breaking.
🔹 Ukraine has already become a leader in net exports in 2024.
🔹 Domestic prices are still moderate, which creates a competitive advantage.
🔹 Positive dynamics allows us to hope for full leadership in 2025/26.

🗣 NGO "Agrarians of Odesa Region" emphasises:
"This is a once-in-a-decade opportunity. We urge the region's producers to focus on raspberries, invest in autumn-type varieties and develop cooling and processing chains. Now is not the time to hesitate!" comments the head of the organisation.

✅ What should Ukrainian farmers do now?

1. Betting on autumn varieties means fewer risks, better quality, and greater demand.
2. We need to invest in freezing capacities - without this, we will lose our advantage.
3. Enter into direct contracts with the EU - intermediaries eat up the margin.
4. Turn to cooperation - combined batches sell better.
5. Plan 2 years in advance - 2026 may be a year of price correction 📉, so do not increase the area without taking into account the risks!

📌 Ukraine is on the right path to global berry leadership. But this path must be taken strategically: not to chase volumes, but to develop the quality, logistics and brand of Ukrainian raspberries. If done right, we will not just replace Serbia, we will build our own reputation as a leader.