Cherries at 85 UAH, currants even more expensive: what is happening to the berry market in 2025
11 July 18:52
In 2025, the purchase prices for cherries and black currants in Ukraine reached a historic high. According to EastFruit’s price monitoring, this situation was caused by massive crop losses due to spring frosts that not only affected Ukraine but also affected orchards in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in Turkey, one of the main competitors in the global berry market, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
The purchase price of cherries today is 60 – 85 UAH/kg, which is equivalent to 1.2 – 1.7 euros per kilogram. And this price tends to grow further. The situation with currants is even more interesting: this year they are being bought even more expensive – at 70 – 90 UAH/kg (1.4 – 1.8 EUR/kg). This is unusual, because in some years it was almost impossible to sell currants. Raspberries are also rising in price, and farmers say that demand exceeds supply.
Berry boom in Ukraine: who loses and who gains
However, high prices do not guarantee profits for everyone. Many farms lost a significant portion of their harvest or did not harvest at all. This is especially true for cherry growers, as its flowers are very sensitive to spring frosts. However, those farmers who invested in protecting their orchards (for example, by using frost protection systems or heating) were able to preserve their crops and are now making record profits from sales. For them, this is a signal that investments in adaptation to climate risks pay off quickly and efficiently.
What challenges have processors faced?
The situation is much more complicated for berry freezing companies. Raw materials are becoming more expensive and their availability is decreasing. To buy cherries for 1.5-1.7 euros/kg, you need to look for additional funding, which is currently limited due to the fighting in Ukraine. At the same time, the cost of frozen cherries exceeds 3.2 euros/kg, and black currants – 3.5 euros/kg. Under such conditions, the profitability of the processing business is reduced to zero or even turns into a loss.
Another risk is a possible decline in European purchase prices for finished products. If the food industry starts changing recipes and replacing more expensive berries with cheaper ones, Ukrainian frozen products will lose their competitiveness.
Read also: Strawberry prices: where the berries come from and when the season will start in Ukraine
Search for alternatives in the global market
Amid this instability, companies are actively looking for new sources of supply. Among the most popular alternatives are Egyptian frozen strawberries, tropical fruits from Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and stone fruits from Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan, where this year’s agricultural season was favorable.
The current situation on the Ukrainian berry market reflects deeper systemic changes: berry and fruit processors are currently affected by several factors:
- climate change
- dependence on weather conditions;
- limited opportunities for lending to the agricultural sector;
- increased competition in the global market.
Farmers who survived the crisis managed to make money. However, for processors and exporters, 2025 has become another challenge that requires adaptation, rethinking business models, and diversification of supply channels.
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