Ukrainian berries are in high demand abroad, and by adhering to necessary standards, more farmers can enter new markets. Over the past five years, the export of fresh berries to the European market from developing countries has doubled and continues to grow.
Thanks to the high demand for quality Ukrainian products at reasonable prices, suppliers can operate with record profitability. Berry exports to the EU are especially relevant during the off-season when European importers prefer large producers due to their reliability in supply.
Limited availability of fresh berries in the European market during the winter period (November – March) opens additional opportunities for Ukrainian producers. During the off-season, European producers dominate the supply, but in winter, competition is significantly lower. The EU market is more stable and predictable for exports compared to other markets where pricing can frequently change.
One of the key requirements for berry exports to the EU is the absence of pests and pesticides, but there are also several other regulations, which are detailed in this article.
Phytosanitary requirements
Berries exported to the EU must comply with European Union legislation on plant health. The EU has established phytosanitary requirements to prevent the entry and spread of organisms harmful to plants and plant products (e.g., insects, viruses, bacteria, fungi, nematodes). The main requirements include:
- Obtaining a phytosanitary certificate issued by the Ukrainian Phytosanitary Service no later than 14 days before the start of export, in the language of the importing country, in accordance with the Plant Health Directive (2000/29/EC).
- A product quality certificate.
- Verification of necessary documents and proper batch labeling
Customs duties on berries in the EU
According to the free trade agreement with the EU, all berries grown in Ukraine are subject to preferential treatment (exemption from import duties) and are not limited by import quotas.
To allow an EU buyer to take advantage of this regime, the berries must be grown in Ukraine and have a EUR.1 certificate. If the delivery cost is less than €6,000, an invoice declaration can be used.
Contract recommendations
Due to the specific nature of perishable goods, it is recommended to minimize delivery risks in unforeseen situations. To do this, it is better to conclude contracts on EXW or FCA delivery terms.
The contract should state that all formalities, including obtaining permits in Europe, are carried out by the buyer (recipient) at their own expense and risk. Additionally, it is necessary to consider the NBU restriction on payment deferrals (maximum 90 days).
A rejected batch and re-export to Ukraine is the worst-case scenario for berry producers. The main reason is non-compliance with the specification. If it is stated that 95% of the berries must be intact, then that must be the case. It is important to monitor temperature conditions, quality, conduct crop analyses, and ensure delivery within the agreed timeframe.
Berry quality requirements
Information on various quality requirements is contained in the Codex Alimentarius, the Food Code of the World Health Organization (WHO), and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), as well as in the UNECE (United Nations Economic Commission for Europe).
Berries must have a uniform color, similar varietal characteristics, be clean, free of foreign plant materials, and almost free of unripe berries.
Visual defects (e.g., unripe or damaged berries) are evaluated according to the Codex standard evaluation system. As long as the sum of points does not exceed the threshold, the product is considered approved.
Labeling requirements
Labeling for wholesale export of fresh berries to the EU must comply with the rules and regulations in effect on the European market. The text on the label must be in the language of the product's country of sale. Labels should not contain toxic inks or adhesives. If the nature of the product is not visible from the outside, the packaging must indicate the product name, variety, and/or trade name.
All labels for fresh berries covered by EU marketing standards must contain the following information:
- Nature of the product and variety name (e.g., raspberry Rubus idaeus L.);
- Place of production/country of origin;
- Commercial identification: class, size (code), number of units, net weight (e.g., Class I, UNECE standard for fresh berries);
- Indication of "wild" harvest type if the berries are wild-collected;
- Harvest date.
If the product is sold in pre-packaged form, the labeling must comply with the rules set out in EU Regulation No. 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers. The following information must be indicated on the label of pre-packaged berries:
- Name and address of the packer, including the country of origin;
- Weight or quantity of items in the package;
- Batch number;
- Size.
For frozen products, the label must indicate the term "frozen" or "deep frozen."
Berries are subject to a unified labeling system, but strawberries have separate standards. Strawberries are divided into three classes, according to which labeling is carried out: extra, Class 1, and Class 2. The goal of labeling is to provide the consumer with complete information about the product.
If you are packaging products for the EU consumer market, labeling must be provided in the language of the country of sale. If you are working with suppliers or retailers, the buyer usually provides these labels, and you only need to place them on the product.
Additionally, any certification logo or retail logo must be indicated on the label if the product is under a private label.
To place the "organic products" logo, berries must comply with EU rules on organic farming. In addition to the EU logo, Germany has its organic logo, Biosiegel, which may be required in retail. These options should be discussed with buyers.
Packaging requirements
Packaging is designed to protect berries from mechanical damage, contamination, leakage, and dehydration, as well as to present the company's image.
Market prospects
The berry market in Ukraine is still forming. Ukrainian producers are beginning to realize the potential of this direction and are actively increasing berry exports. The most promising markets for fresh berries are Germany, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands, as well as Poland, Belgium, Austria, and Sweden.
The European market demands a high level of certification, quality, and supply stability. Therefore, for newcomers, the primary task is to learn and establish the process of growing berries according to Euro standards. The initial stage can begin with selling to a local trader to gain experience, and then move on to more serious contracts and reaching end customers in Western Europe.
If you are looking for a reliable partner to organize the transportation of your products, Grand Logistics Company is your ideal choice. Our many years of experience and professional approach guarantee the safe and timely delivery of your berries to the EU markets. Contact us today to ensure flawless logistics for your business. Order transportation with Grand Logistics Company and unlock new opportunities for successful exports!
