April 11 2011, 16:32 Fruit-Inform

Prices for domestic strawberries decreasing under pressure of imports in Ukraine

The garden strawberry campaign has begun in Ukraine since early April. Harvesting is currently actively conducted in glasshouses. Initial prices for strawberries were UAH 65-70/kg (EUR 5.67-6.10/kg) that is averagely 25% higher than last year. As of today, Ukrainian strawberries have already decreased in price to UAH 50/kg (EUR 4.36/kg).

Analysts of Fruit-Inform Project report of the prices to have decreased already in the first weeks of the campaign thanks to imported strawberries. Ukrainian importers actively supply this produce from Greece and Spain at prices rarely exceeding UAH 35-40/kg (EUR 3.05-3.49/kg). Preference is given to Greek strawberries as they are cheaper than Spanish ones.

Taking this into consideration, Ukrainian producers think the prices for strawberries will be only decreasing in the nearest time, although there will likely be no sharp fall of them as weather conditions do not favor quick maturing of berries.

The forecast of the strawberry and other berry market situation in Ukraine for the current season and following years will be presented by the leading experts of this business during the Second International Conference-Exhibition “Berries of Ukraine-2011: Freezing and Fresh Market”. The results of the first fundamental study “Market for frozen fruits, berries, and vegetables of Ukraine and Russia” will be presented specially for participants of the conference. Application form can be filled in through this link.