Second Industry-Specific Mission “Agro-Innovation Exchange: Spain–Ukraine” 2025

Ukrainian Agribusiness Strengthens Cooperation with Spain

From September 29 to October 4, 2025, representatives of Ukrainian agribusiness, municipalities, and professional organizations took part in a business mission to Spain as part of the “Agro-Innovation Exchange: Spain–Ukraine” program.

The mission aimed to strengthen professional and business cooperation between Ukraine and Spain, explore modern agricultural technologies, establish direct contacts with European companies, and identify practical solutions for the development of Ukrainian horticulture, berry production, vegetable growing, and agricultural exports.

The mission was organized by UMEDA – Ukrainian Agency of Municipal Economic Development and the Mayors Club of Ukraine, with ALLE FOOD UA TRADE ALLIANCE serving as Co-organizer and Economy of Trust Ukraine Inc. (EoTU) as a partner.

Fruit Attraction 2025: Technologies, Markets and New Business Contacts

One of the key events of the mission was the participation of the Ukrainian delegation in Fruit Attraction 2025, the international trade fair for the fruit and vegetable sector in Madrid.

The participants visited the Innovation Hub, where they explored new technologies and solutions for the agricultural sector, and held a series of B2B meetings with Spanish technology and commercial companies.

Particular attention was paid to opportunities for Ukrainian agricultural products to enter and expand their presence in European markets.

During the meetings, representatives of Ukrainian businesses reached preliminary agreements concerning the export of the first batches of fruit grown in Ukraine.

From Mercamadrid to Modern Distribution Models

An important part of the program was a visit to Mercamadrid, one of Spain’s major wholesale food distribution centres.

Participants had the opportunity to learn about the organization of the market, wholesale trade, logistics, and the distribution of fruit, vegetables, meat, and fish products.

This experience is particularly relevant for Ukrainian companies working to develop their distribution channels, strengthen supply chains, and expand their presence in international markets.

Learning from Huelva and Murcia

The mission included visits to two important Spanish agricultural regions — Huelva and Murcia.

Huelva is renowned for its strong berry sector and advanced technologies for growing strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries. The participants visited local producers, explored cooperative business models, and examined practical examples of agricultural and energy projects.

Murcia, in turn, demonstrated its experience in efficient vegetable production, greenhouse farming, and water-resource management. The Ukrainian delegation visited technology companies in the region and explored approaches to resource-efficient production and the financing of agricultural projects.

Another practical element of the program was a visit to modern greenhouse facilities being developed by J.Huete, giving participants an opportunity to see the construction of a new greenhouse complex directly on site.

From Knowledge Exchange to Concrete Partnerships

For Ukraine’s agricultural sector, the priorities today go beyond technologies alone. Direct international partnerships, access to new markets, modern logistics, and efficient production models are equally important for long-term development.

That is why ALLE FOOD UA TRADE ALLIANCE continues to participate in and co-organize international professional events, trade missions, and industry-specific missions aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s agri-food sector and expanding international cooperation.

The Spanish experience demonstrates how investment in technology, efficient resource management, cooperation, and strong export value chains can contribute to the development of a competitive agricultural sector.

For Ukraine, this experience represents not only an opportunity to learn from established European practices, but also a basis for developing its own competitive models of production, processing, logistics, and international trade.

The mission to Spain was another step toward strengthening professional ties between Ukrainian and Spanish agribusiness and creating new opportunities for Ukrainian agricultural products on international markets.

Organizers
UMEDA – Ukrainian Agency of Municipal Economic Development
Mayors Club of Ukraine

Co-organizer
ALLE FOOD UA TRADE ALLIANCE

Partner
Economy of Trust Ukraine Inc. (EoTU)