Source: Ukragroconsult (Ukraine)
Before the war, sugar consumption in Ukraine was 1.2 million tons, now it is 900,000 tons. Consumption losses within the country amount to 300,000 tons. Exports to the EU are therefore a question of survival for the Ukrainian sugar industry.
Yana Kavushevska, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the National Association of Sugar Producers of Ukraine “Ukrtsukor”, explained this during the discussion.
“We are closer to Europe in every respect, not only geographically, than Brazil, where there is a problem with deforestation. So it is also a question of sustainable development,” said Jana Kavuszewska.
According to Igor Shilyuk, CEO of sugar producer Cygnet, Ukrainian sugar producers are ready to raise the standards of their production to meet EU regulations.
“The possibility to export to the EU is the only reliable way. If it is closed, we will be forced to reduce our production,” summarized Igor Shilyuk.