Exports of fresh and processed vegetables are growing rapidly. Foreign buyers appreciate the fact that Ukrainian farmers grow high quality cucumber and tomatoes without any crop protection substances.
Ukraine is also the leading producer of tomato paste in the former Soviet Union and an active competitor in the European market. Export of processed and canned tomatoes is also growing. In 2020, Ukraine exported 65.8 thousand tons of processed and canned tomatoes. Processed tomatoes are in great demand in the European Union, including Poland, Germany and Czech Republic. The Middle East is also a growing market. Ukrainian canned tomatoes are exported to Israel, Jordan, Oman, the United Arabian Emirates and Saudi Arabia. Demanding Japanese buyers are also importing from Ukraine.
Ukraine’s share of global potato production is 6.2%. Thanks to its non-GMO potato crops, Ukraine is well placed to develop a strong position in the potato flour and starch market and to increase its potato exports to the EU.
Garlic from Ukraine is famed for its local varieties and unique taste. Ukrainian garlic is preferred by many European processors, and local production is growing to meet the demand. Commercial garlic production has tripled over the past five years and is expected to grow rapidly over the next decade.