Blueberry yields in Ukraine were low during the 2026 season across much of the country, with some growers reporting near-total losses in mid-season varieties, according to the chairman of the Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UPOA).

Spring frosts were the main cause of the losses and affected mid-season and late varieties the most.

“This year’s yields are really low, and that situation is repeated across almost all of Ukraine,” Bashtannik noted. He explained that in some areas, mid-season varieties registered “virtually zero” yields.

Despite production problems, the domestic market has shown a different dynamic. During the peak of the season, prices for blueberry Prices decreased significantly. According to estimates from the president of UPOA, the farm price is around 100 UAH/kg, while in retail it reaches approximately 200 UAH/kg.

According to Bashtannik, increased availability and lower prices are expanding blueberry consumption in Ukraine. The fruit is gradually ceasing to be considered a niche product and is gaining a larger presence in the domestic market.

Labor remains a limiting factor

The availability of workers remains one of the main constraints for the industry, especially during the harvest. According to Bashtannik, the labor shortage affects a large number of producers and could limit further expansion of the sector.

Container and tunnel cultivation, systems that can partially mitigate exposure to certain adverse weather conditions, still have a limited presence in Ukraine. The president of the UPOA believes these technologies remain a niche alternative due to the cost of substrates, the necessary infrastructure, and the higher production demands.

The 2026 season thus presents a challenging scenario for Ukrainian producers. Spring frosts severely reduced yields of certain varieties, while falling prices and labor shortages add further pressure to the industry.

At the same time, the lower price is expanding access to the product in the domestic market, creating a season in which production difficulties coexist with a greater presence of blueberries among Ukrainian consumers.

The Ukrainian Fruit and Vegetable Association (UPOA) brings together producers, processors and exporters in the fruit and vegetable sector and works to develop the domestic market and promote Ukrainian products in international markets.