Ukrainian berry producers have received an important signal of international recognition – the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association has been selected as the official representative of Ukraine in the International Blueberry Organization (IBO), a global body that brings together key players in the world blueberry industry, including producers, exporters, marketing companies, industry associations, and governmental institutions, EastFruit informs.
For the market, this decision has clear practical implications: Ukraine is effectively integrating into the international coordination system of the blueberry sector, gaining access to market intelligence, strategic dialogue, and partnership opportunities at the global level.
Recognition of Ukraine as an Emerging Export Player
“The global blueberry market remains one of the most dynamic segments of the fruit and berry industry. Over the past decade, Ukraine has successfully developed a modern, export-oriented production sector with professional plantations, investments in technology, and gradual entry into international markets,” said Nataliia Pukshyn, President of the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association.
The selection of the industry association to the IBO confirms that Ukrainian growers are effectively consolidating their efforts to increase profitability in international markets, while the country itself is transitioning from the category of promising producers to a group of nations influencing global industry development. For Ukrainian blueberry producers and exporters, this also represents a signal of trust: international partners now have a clear institutional point of contact in Ukraine — the Association.
What IBO Membership Means for Ukrainian Producers
Membership of the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association in IBO opens several practical advantages for businesses:
· Access to market information and forecasts
Ukrainian companies will be able to respond more quickly to global production and demand trends.
· Strengthening international reputation
Having an official national representative increases confidence among importers and retail chains in Ukrainian products.
· New export contacts and partnerships
IBO serves as a professional network where long-term trade relationships are established.
· Participation in addressing industry challenges
This includes regulatory barriers, certification, access to crop protection solutions, and global campaigns to increase berry consumption.
· Access to innovation
International cooperation accelerates the adoption of new technologies in cultivation, post-harvest handling, and logistics.
Expanding Cooperation at Fruit Logistica 2026
Further international engagement took place during Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin, where Ukrainian berry and nut producers showcased their products at the National Stand of Ukraine.
Ahead of the Fruit Logistica 2026 exhibition, the annual meeting of IBO member countries took place, with the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association participating as the official representative of Ukraine alongside delegations from the Netherlands, Peru, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Georgia, and the IBO Committee.
During the exhibition, Nataliia Pukshyn, President of the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association, held a meeting with Mario Steta, Chairman of the International Blueberry Organization (IBO). The parties discussed the development of international cooperation as well as Ukraine’s potential as an important supplier to the global blueberry market.
Participation in the exhibition enabled the Association to establish new contacts with buyers, traders, and retailers, expand export opportunities, and engage with innovative technologies in the sector.
Strategic Importance for the Industry
According to Nataliia Pukshyn, the IBO decision carries strategic importance for the entire industry:
“Membership in the International Blueberry Organization provides access to international expertise, partnerships, and analytics that will enable berry companies — members of our Association — to enhance their competitiveness more rapidly. At the same time, it is an opportunity to build Ukraine’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality berries and to strengthen exports even under challenging conditions. We see significant potential for the sector and are convinced that international cooperation will become one of the key drivers of its growth.”
The Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association aims to develop a modern berry industry where Ukrainian producers thrive and international partners trust the consistency and quality of Ukrainian products. The consolidation of efforts among growers, exporters, and partners creates new opportunities for growth, innovation, and expansion into global markets.
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