February 28 2011, 12:25 Fruit-Inform

Fruit and veg prices keeping on growing in Ukraine

Fruit-Inform Project's fruit and vegetable index shows that the cost of fruit and vegetable basket of Ukrainian consumers has increased by another 1.2% over last week, after 4% growth a week earlier. In such a way, there is a traditional seasonal fruit and vegetable produce price increase trend remaining in effect in Ukraine. Moreover, we should say that notwithstanding prices growing more slowly than last year, their average level is higher than in 2010.

Last week the highest price increase was registered for fruits (9%) mainly due to apples, mandarins, and oranges that became 10-20% more expensive. Borsch vegetables (onions, cabbage, beets, carrots) grew in price too, but only slightly: by 1% averagely in total. The main reason of their price growth lied in problems with transportation from farms due to cold weather. Prices grew only for cabbage and beets; other traditional vegetables and potatoes remained stable in price.

As to greenhouse vegetables, their prices began to decrease due to increase of cucumber supply from domestic farms. In the nearest time, cucumber prices may continue to fall; however, greenhouse tomato prices are likely to increase with the start of harvesting in domestic farms.