Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Wholesale prices for potatoes 2.5 times lower in Russia
According to Fruit-Inform Project, the Russian market is keeping its potato price reduction trend thanks to growth of potato supply in the country. As of today, prices for potatoes are 2.5 times lower than a year before and may most likely decrease further.
“Expansion of areas under potatoes against a background of last season's high prices and relatively good weather conditions favor Russia's high potato production this year”, Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform Project, says. “Therefore we forecast Russia's potato imports to decrease sharply in the season 2011/12, and potato prices to be low within the whole season”, the expert continues.
It should also be noted that current wholesale prices for potatoes in Russia (even in RUB equivalent) are the lowest in last 4 seasons that cannot help but upset farmers, as, according to Fruit-Inform Project's estimates, potato production costs grew by almost 50% in this period. Furthermore, current prices in USD equivalent are the lowest in last 7 years.
More detailed information about Russia's potato imports in the new season and the potato price prospects in the first half of 2012 is available in the Russian fresh produce production and price forecast which will be presented by Fruit-Inform Project's analysts during the Fourth International Conference “Fruit & Vegetable Business of Russia – 2011”. The event will take place in conjunction with World Food Moscow, September 14, 2011. Registration of the conference participants is currently in active progress.