The Ukrainian oyster growing company “Oysters of Scythia” plans to expand production by growing algae and mussels. In addition, the farm intends to establish export deliveries of products to Georgia and Turkey, as reported by the owner of the enterprise Andrei Pigulevsky.
Today, the manufacturer cooperates with a network of supermarkets and about 200 restaurants. “While we work only in Ukraine, it is difficult to compete with European oysters. The plans include expanding oyster production and covering the entire Ukrainian market, since today we cover only 10%, ”Pigulevsky shares.
The manufacturer is also thinking about exporting to Georgia and Turkey, as well as expanding the assortment and growing of mussels and algae. Oyster made in Ukraine in supermarkets now costs 30-35 UAH, and its taste is often better than a foreign product. For comparison, the cost of imported delicacy in stores is 50-150 UAH / pc.
In the near future, Pigulevsky plans to bring the retail price of mollusk to UAH 15 by improving the mechanism for maturing and building up a business.
“It is very important to establish a continuous crop. To sell 17 tons of oysters annually, you need 20 tons of additional oysters lying in the water during growth and you planted 20 tons in commercial size, ”the farmer estimates.
A farmer calls oyster production an obstacle to the insecurity of small business at the legislative level. So, last summer, 1,300 mollusks were seized by the local law enforcement authorities on the farm without explanation.
At the same time, the demand for oysters is growing and gradually the mollusk ceases to be a delicacy, turning into an affordable product for everyone. According to various estimates, this market can grow by 30-50% annually.
