Confectionery sunflower breeding and supply chain in Eastern Europe

Abstract

Growing confectionery sunflower for consumption is becoming more and more attractive in the whole world. In Eastern European countries production, processing, and breeding of confectionery sunflower differ from oil-type sunflower. There is no precise information on the sowing areas of confectionery varieties and hybrids in Eastern European countries, mostly because, in statistical reports, sunflower producers do not provide separate data on the share of varieties in gross revenue of all manufactured products. Confectionery sunflower seeds are used in bakery products, but also in a number of natural health products and healthy snacks, as well as for direct consumption in the hull, dehulled, raw or backed form. Confectionery sunflower breeding is characterized by the fact that different markets have different demands when it comes to the seed size, hull colour, and other traits, which make this process more difficult and costlier. Market demands and production area of confectionery sunflower show a steady increase due to its nutritional value and use in human nutrition. In Eastern European countries, it is expected that the highly productive confectionery hybrids will replace varieties, which will lead to the increase of surfaces under this crop.