Farmers in the Kherson and Zaporozhian regions have started supplying blackberries and a broader range of fruit to shops across the Central European part of Russia, with their harvests already appearing in major federal chains. The newspaper Izvestia cites a statement from the Ministry of Agriculture confirming this development and highlighting the new regional supply lines that are expanding markets beyond traditional centers.
In late May, the ministry reported that the first trucks carrying strawberries from these new Russian regions rolled out of Melitopol, signaling the beginning of a wider fruit season. Soon, deliveries of apples, pears, peaches, and plums were anticipated to reach retailers. The logistical plan targets key cities such as Moscow, St. Petersburg, Rostov-on-Don, Tula, and Nizhny Novgorod, ensuring timely distribution across both metropolitan hubs and provincial centers. The ministry noted that the fruits and berries from the newer regions benefit from close proximity to the sea and abundant sunshine, which contribute to a favorable balance of sweetness and acidity and a richer, more vivid flavor profile.
Statistical data from the agency show that fruit and berry production in Russia has climbed by 44 percent over the past five years, and over a decade the growth has reached approximately 2.5 times. The Ministry of Agriculture projects a harvest of about 1.76 million tons for the current year, with expectations rising to about 2.2 million tons by 2030. These projections align with national strategies that emphasize domestic self-sufficiency and the strengthening of food security across the country.
According to the current Food Security Doctrine, Russia aims to supply at least 60 percent of its fruits and nuts domestically, along with a minimum 90 percent of vegetables and melons. This framework underscores a deliberate shift toward greater self-reliance in essential agricultural products and places emphasis on climatic and geographic advantages that support year-round production and stable supply chains for consumers in major urban markets within the federation and beyond.
From a medical perspective, gastroenterologist Ekaterina Kashukh notes that certain fruits and berries should be consumed with restraint. She advises limiting intake of strawberries, raspberries, bananas, and citrus fruits due to their relatively high histamine content, which can affect individuals sensitive to these compounds. The medical caution is presented within the broader context of dietary guidance that emphasizes variety and moderation to maintain well-being while enjoying seasonal produce. In conversation with a health-focused outlet, the doctor stressed the importance of listening to one’s body and balancing fruit choices with other components of a healthy diet.
In a separate economic commentary, analyst Siluanov recently reflected on the broader sentiment among optimists and pessimists regarding agricultural development, a reminder that market expectations can diverge even as production continues to rise and distribution networks expand across the country.