Ukraine redirects its blueberry exports to the Netherlands and reduces its dependence on Poland

International Commerce

Ukraine redirects its blueberry exports to the Netherlands and reduces its dependence on Poland

The Netherlands became the main destination for Ukrainian blueberries, while Poland's share of shipments fell from 27% in 2023 to 15% in 2025. The shift coincides with a greater search for buyers in Western and Northern Europe.

09/09/2026

The Netherlands moved into first place among export destinations for the blueberries Ukrainians in 2025, in a process that has reduced Poland's share of the country's shipments. The IBO records 990 tons exported to the Dutch market, compared to 720 tons destined for Poland.

Polish participation had reached 27% of Ukrainian exports in 2023 and fell to 15% in 2025. Among the reasons cited by the IBO Global Blueberry Report 2026 are logistical difficulties at the border, lower returns, and increased production of blueberries in Poland.

Ukraine expands its destinations in Europe

Ukrainian producers have sought to strengthen their relationships with buyers in Western Europe, with the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Germany among their main destinations. The IBO also notes that the Dutch market is among those paying the highest average prices for Ukrainian fruit, second only to the United Arab Emirates, which receives marginal volumes.

Diversification occurs after a difficult season. The low temperatures of 2025 particularly affected mid-season varieties and reduced exports by around 25%, with varying results among producers due to the conditions in each area.

Ukraine has approximately 6.000 hectares planted with blueberriesof which 5.000 are in production. In 2025 it harvested 14.330 tons, a figure that keeps the country as the one with the largest planted area in Eastern Europe and among the ten largest worldwide.

Ukraine maintains a wide productivity gap

The size of the cultivated area contrasts sharply with its yields. According to IBO estimates, Ukraine reached an average yield of 2,87 tons per hectare in 2025, compared to 7,13 tons per hectare in Poland and a global average of 9,05 tons per hectare. The Ukrainian figure should be considered an estimate, as the report itself notes limitations in the availability of up-to-date statistics on cultivated area, yields, and sales in the sector.

The impact of yield was particularly pronounced during the last season. The report estimates that the addition of new hectares to production contributed approximately 2.900 tons, but lower productivity subtracted around 3.410 tons. As a result, total production decreased by 3,44% compared to the previous season.

The gap shows that improving the performance of the existing installed surface area will be a key focus for the industry's development. The IBO itself describes the Ukrainian sector as transitioning from a phase of rapid expansion to one centered on optimization and efficiency, while also facing challenges related to frost protection, certifications, packaging, and compliance with European standards.

Ukraine is thus making progress on two fronts. On the one hand, it is expanding its export destinations and reducing the concentration of exports in Poland; on the other, it needs to increase productivity to convert its installed capacity into greater trade volume. The push towards Western European buyers opens up space for this expansion, but yield remains one of the main shortcomings. blueberry Ukrainian.

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