September 5 2011, 16:41 APK-Inform

40% lower vegetable prices in Ukraine

Fruit-Inform Project's fruit and vegetable index shows that, as of early September, vegetable prices are 39.2% lower year-on-year in Ukraine.

“Thanks to sharp growth of vegetable production in 2011, Ukrainians are now spending half as much as in 2010 for potatoes, white cabbages, red beets, onions and carrots and three times less for cucumbers and tomatoes”, Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform Project, says. “However, such developments being positive for consumers may turn into serious problems for producers who already have troubles with sales of their produce”, the expert adds.

As of early September 2011, white cabbages are 3.3 times less expensive year-on-year, onions and red beets – 40-45% lower in price, and potatoes – almost 50% cheaper. The prices for field-grown cucumbers and tomatoes are a third lower.

At the same time, fruits and berries are 5% higher in price in Ukraine. Apples are for the present more expensive due to later start of the apple season in the country because of colder spring and summer. The prices for watermelons, imported oranges and mandarins are higher too. As to peaches, table grapes, lemons and bananas, they decreased in price in comparison with early September 2010.

We would remind you that more detailed information about the weekly price situation in the Russian and Ukrainian markets for fruits and vegetables, the history of prices over last 5 years and forecasts of their changes as well as full production, import and export statistics is available for subscribers of Fruit-Inform Weekly. Also the detailed fresh produce production, trade and price forecast for Russia will be presented 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.