July 6 2011, 14:16 Fruit-Inform

Fruit and vegetable prices in Ukraine as before much higher than last year

Fruit-Inform Project's fruit and vegetable index shows that in June 2011 fruit and vegetable prices in Ukraine were 36.3% higher than in the same month of last year. If compare prices with June 2009, then they were 82.8% higher.

The most significant year-on-year growth of prices was registered for borsch vegetables (onions, cabbage, beets, carrots) and potatoes. Aggregate year-on-year growth of prices for these five categories amounted to 47% in June 2011. However, onion, cabbage and beet prices were lower than in June 2010, and the most important part in aggregate growth of prices for borsch vegetables and potatoes was played by the latter as they went up in price by 77%.

Cucumbers made a considerable contribution to overall year-on-year growth of fruit and vegetable prices too, as in June 2011 they were almost three times higher in price than in the same month of last year. At the same time, tomato prices did not practically changed over the specified period.

“Cold spring of 2011 led to delay in ripening and harvesting of early vegetables, cucumbers, tomatoes and potatoes by 2-3 weeks. In addition, high prices were backed also by pouring rains in most regions of Ukraine”, Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform Project, explains. “At the same time, the situation with late vegetables and potatoes is much better this year, and probable overproduction is already making Ukrainian producers look for new target markets outside Ukraine”, the expert continues.

As to fruit prices in the country, they increased in June 2011 too, and their year-on-year growth amounted to 29%. The most significant rise of prices was registered for apples (90%) and garden strawberries (43%).

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].