Ukrainian high-oleic sunflower is in high demand

The sunflower harvest campaign in Ukraine is gaining momentum. Currently, the southern regions are working more actively, to which the center of the country is gradually joining. As of early September, more than 200 thousand tons have been harvested. This was reported by the analytical department of the agricultural cooperative PUSK, created within the VAR.

“Now we see completely different indicators of sunflower yield. If the south shows only 1–1.3 t/ha, then the situation is better in central Ukraine. It is expected that in the short term the price of sunflower may increase by 100–300 UAH/t weekly. At the same time, in the second half of September, significant volumes will enter the market from the northern and western regions. This will increase supply and may reduce prices to the level of about 26,500 UAH/t,” PUSK notes.

A separate segment is formed by high-oleic sunflower, which is in high demand. Its oil partially replaces the shortage of olive oil, the production of which is decreasing in the Mediterranean countries.

“High-oleic sunflower is now in the focus of processors. Its price starts from 31,300 UAH/t, and for large volumes they are ready to pay over 33,000 UAH/t. Due to problems with olive oil production in Europe, demand will remain, and in winter, purchase prices may increase to 35,000 UAH/t,” analysts add.

Tags: Ukraine, prices, high oleic sunflower