Ukraine: Agri business continues to operate in spite of complications

Almafruit is a Ukraine’s apple grower, trader, and exporter, with a farm located in Vinnytsia (central Ukraine). Met recently in Madrid at Fruit Attraction, Alexander Nosov, General Director, Almafruit, kindly shared with Fructidor his observations and experience regarding nowadays’ agri businesses operations considering a complicated political situation in the country. 

Fructidor: “For you as a fruit grower and exporter, how is the situation in Ukraine?”

Alexander Nosov: “The situation is quite special and difficult. Well, Ukraine is big, in one part of the country there is war, but there are also areas where we still have opportunities to cultivate, contribute to economic growth and help other regions. Of course, many businesses have been destroyed. I remember last year I saw grain holders and was surprised they were built in just one year, so big and beautiful, and then in one day they were destroyed. Nevertheless, we have to continue working, producing food, supplying not only our country but also exporting our oils, grains worldwide. There are some difficulties with the banking system, online credit, and so on, but we do what we can.”

Fructidor: “What about this apple season?”

Alexander Nosov: “In some regions there was a lack of rain, in Western part especially. But for those farms which have new updated irrigation systems in their orchards, it was fine, while those which don’t have such, might have smaller calibers than usual. In terms of volume, it is the same as the previous season. We only had problems with watermelons and tomatoes this year, because these fruits are grown in the occupied territories of the South.”

Fructidor: “Do you continue with exports?”

Alexander Nosov: “Yes, however there was a pause at the end of the harvest season, but in a couple of weeks we will renew our shipments.”

Fructidor: “What else has changed this year? What about logistics, can you still ship via Odessa?”

Alexander Nosov: “Two years ago we started importing products from various countries, such as mandarins from Pakistan, however in February 2022 we had to suspend this business. Also, logistics have changed a lot. Now there are many restrictions and difficulties to ship because of Russian militaries. Odessa is now only focused on grains and there are very strict rules concerning export. This time we will ship by trucks first to Odessa and then to Constanza, Romania, and from there to the final destinations.” 

Fructidor: “If you export to Europe, how much longer will it take now?”

Alexander Nosov: “It depends on queues at the Ukrainian borders. These queues can reach 30 kilometers. Sometimes trucks can be stuck for 5-7 days.”

Fructidor: “Apart from Europe, where else do you export?”

Alexander Nosov: “We also supply Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Oman, among others. Besides, we hope this season to enter the Indian market.”

 

 

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