FEATURES OF BERRY EXPORT TO EU COUNTRIES

Abstract

Purpose. The main purpose of the article is to analyze the main requirements for the export of berry products to the countries of the European Union.

Methodology. Analytical and statistical data processing methods were used during the research.

The results. The study found that the export of fresh berries to Europe requires compliance with high standards of food safety and quality. When exporting berries, 24 measures of technical regulation are foreseen (coding according to NTM). The main ones are: tolerance limits for residues or contamination by certain (non-microbiological) substances; restriction of the use of certain substances in food products, as well as in contact materials; labeling requirements; certification requirements; requiring independent verification and monitoring; product quality, safety or performance requirements; non-automatic import licensing procedures.

It has been established that, in addition to general European requirements for the quality and safety of berry products, the legislation of individual EU countries establishes general and special marketing standards. Market operators and exporters can freely choose whether to work with the EU standard (GMS) or the UNECE standard. If the product is not covered by any specific European standard, the exporter can use Codex Alimentarius standards. It is noted that European buyers often have specific requirements, in particular, the most common certification scheme required for fresh products export to Europe is GLOBALG.AP. It was also noted that attention to social and environmental conditions in production areas is growing on the European market. In the Eastern part of Europe, buyers practically do not pay attention to compliance with the requirements of social responsibility when growing products, while in Western Europe this issue is fundamentally important.

The main factors of export growth for Ukrainian berry producers were global trends in demand for berry products in countries with high consumer incomes; abolition of import quotas to the EU; state financial support to the horticulture industry for the creation of new berry plantations, construction of refrigerators, sorting lines. Blueberries, currants, raspberries, and wild berries have greater export advantages. Ukrainian berries are exported mainly to European countries. Realization of the export potential of Ukraine on the berry market should be carried out by expanding the range of berry exporters, improving the quality of berry products through certification, packaging, logistics, and the formation of the appropriate export infrastructure. It is worth noting the poorly organized logistics of supplying berries to European markets.

Practical significance. The conducted study of the requirements of the European berry market will contribute to increasing the export of Ukrainian berry products to the European market.