June 20 2011, 10:27 Fruit-Inform

Fruit and vegetable prices decreasing in Ukraine for the 5th week in a row

Fruit-Inform Project's fruit and vegetable index shows that fruit and vegetable prices again decreased in Ukraine last week. Moreover, the price decrease rate accelerated and amounted to 5.9%. In such a way, over five weeks fruit and vegetable prices decreased by almost 16% in Ukraine.

“We should note that the fruit and vegetable price reduction currently observed in the country could have been even more significant if not unfavorable weather conditions supporting the market”, Andriy Yarmak, Head of Fruit-Inform Project, states. “Late spring led to the early vegetable supply to be 2-3 weeks later, and drought in May-June favored decrease in potential of the early vegetable yields”, the expert continues.

Last week the most considerable contribution to the fruit and vegetable price reduction was made by greenhouse and traditional vegetables. The former became 16% cheaper, and the latter decreased in price by 5%. The greenhouse vegetable price reduction was the result of start of the tomato harvesting campaign in plastic greenhouses and the field-grown cucumber harvesting campaign in the southern regions of Ukraine. Among traditional vegetables, the most important price decreases were registered for early beets and cabbage.

Due to last week's rains in the most parts of the country, the berry supply slowed down in the Ukrainian market that led to 20% increase in the garden strawberry prices. We should also note the banana price reduction and steady decrease in the banana consumption.

More detailed information about new season's fruit and vegetable production and price prospects in Ukraine is available in the fundamental study Fruit and Vegetable Market of Ukraine-2011: Results and Forecasts for the Next Season which can be ordered at International Relations Department of Fruit-Inform Project by phone: +380 96 5836323 (Ievgen Kuzin), or via e-mail: [email protected].