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Ukraine and Spain Strengthen Cooperation in Horticulture, Berry Production and AgriTech
First industry specific business mission “AgroInnovation Exchange: Ukraine – Spain”
From 15 to 22 June 2025, an industry-focused business mission “AgroInnovation Exchange: Ukraine – Spain” took place in Spain, bringing together Ukrainian and Spanish stakeholders from the horticulture, berry, agricultural technology and export sectors.
The mission was organized by the Ukrainian Agency of Municipal Economic Development (UMEDA), Mayors’ Club Ukraine, ALLE FOOD UA TRADE ALLIANCE with the participation of the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association.
Over seven days, the Ukrainian delegation visited two of Spain’s key agricultural regions — Murcia and Huelva — exploring practical experience in modern production, agricultural technologies, cooperatives, export models and international market development.
Murcia: Technology and Efficient Agricultural Production
The first stage of the mission took place in Murcia, one of Spain’s leading agricultural regions.
The Ukrainian delegation met with representatives of ProExport Murcia, an association representing fruit and vegetable producers and exporters. The discussions focused on the structure of the Spanish agricultural sector, market opportunities and potential cooperation with Ukrainian companies.
Particular attention was given to agricultural technologies. The delegation visited J. Huette International, a company specializing in greenhouse structures, technological components and solutions for efficient agricultural production.
The meeting also provided an opportunity to explore practical technologies for protecting blueberry plantations against frost and other climatic risks.
Huelva: One of Europe’s Major Berry-Producing Regions
The second stage of the mission took place in Huelva, one of Europe’s leading regions for the production of strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries.
The Ukrainian delegation participated in the 10th International Red Fruit Congress, bringing together producers, exporters, technology companies, marketing specialists and other professionals from the international berry industry.
For Ukrainian participants, the Congress was an important opportunity to present Ukraine’s berry sector and establish direct contacts with potential international partners.
From Production to International Markets
A key element of the mission was the opportunity to visit leading Spanish berry producers and cooperatives.
The delegation visited Surexport, a major producer of fresh berries, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries. Founded in Huelva in 1994, the company has developed a large-scale production and export operation.
The Ukrainian delegation also visited Cuna de Platero, a major cooperative producing strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and blackberries and supplying international markets.
Another important meeting was held with BerryWorld Iberia, which provides technical, production-planning and commercial support to berry growers in Spain, Portugal and Morocco and develops its own R&D programmes in berry varieties.
These visits allowed Ukrainian participants to examine not only production technologies, but also the complete value chain — from cultivation and harvesting to quality management, packaging, logistics and international sales.
Cooperatives as a Model for Agricultural Development
An important part of the programme was the visit to Bonafru Bonares Cooperative.
The Ukrainian delegation learned about the cooperative’s production, storage and organizational model and discussed how farmers can combine resources, technologies and market access through cooperation.
The development of Bonafru demonstrates how a farming organization can diversify its production and gradually expand into new berry crops, including strawberries, raspberries and blueberries.
For Ukrainian communities and agricultural businesses, such examples provide valuable practical experience in developing cooperative models and strengthening farmers’ access to technology and international markets.
Presenting Ukraine’s Berry Sector to Spanish Partners
One of the practical objectives of the mission was to present Ukrainian producers and suppliers to potential Spanish and international partners.
Particular attention was given to the Ukrainian Blueberry Growers Association which brings together 48 members collectively representing approximately 1,700 hectares of blueberry plantations and the Ukrainian frozen berry sector. presented seven Ukrainian producers,by ALLE FOOD UA demonstrating the country’s potential not only in fresh berry production but also in processed and IQF frozen products.
The meetings created new professional contacts between Ukrainian companies and Spanish producers, cooperatives, industry associations, technology companies and potential distributors.
Building Long-Term Ukraine–Spain Partnerships
The June 2025 mission demonstrated the value of direct professional exchanges between Ukrainian and Spanish agricultural businesses.
The programme combined business meetings, field visits, technological exchange, industry networking and export discussions, creating opportunities for cooperation beyond a traditional study visit.
For Ukrainian participants, the mission provided an opportunity to better understand the Spanish agricultural model, identify relevant technologies, present Ukrainian production capabilities and establish relationships with potential international partners.
For Spanish stakeholders, the mission created an opportunity to learn more about Ukraine’s agricultural potential, production capabilities and opportunities for future cooperation.
The Next Step: Expanding B2B and Export Opportunities
The results of the June mission provided a foundation for continuing cooperation between Ukrainian and Spanish agricultural stakeholders.
The following stage of the programme included further business meetings in Spain, participation in Fruit Attraction in Madrid, visits to agricultural companies in Huelva and Murcia, and the development of new business and institutional partnerships.
At the municipal level, UMEDA and its partners also continued exploring opportunities for cooperation between Ukrainian communities and Spanish municipalities, particularly in the areas of greenhouse production, horticulture and berry farming.
AgroInnovation Exchange: Ukraine – Spain is more than a business mission. It is a platform for technology exchange, international market access and the development of long-term partnerships between communities, producers and businesses.
ALLE FOOD UA is proud to contribute to initiatives that connect Ukrainian businesses with international partners, facilitate knowledge exchange and create new opportunities for cooperation across the agricultural sector.
Organisers:
UMEDA — Ukrainian Agency of Municipal Economic Development
Mayors Club of Ukraine
Co-organiser:
ALLE FOOD UA TRADE ALLIANCE
Partner:
Economy of Trust Ukraine Inc. (EoTU)
