Ukrainian fresh produce importer Polly Group has filed for bankruptcy and owner Oleg Rybalchenko been placed in prison for non-payment of debts, according to reports in the country.
The Odessa-based group, which imports bananas, citrus and grapes among other products, was rumoured to have been in financial trouble for some time, although Rybalchenko had previously denied the business was facing difficulties.
A leading Ukrainian importer told Eurofruit Magazine that the news was not unexpected as many in the sector had been aware that Polly Group “had a lot of debts and were in big problems with the banks”.
No-one at Polly Group’s offices could be contacted for comment.
