September 20 2011, 09:56 Fruit-Inform

Potato and vegetable prices continue to decrease steadily in Ukraine

Fruit-Inform Project's fruit and vegetable index shows that fruit and vegetable prices decreased by 3.6% in Ukraine last week, after 22.4% slump a week earlier. In such a way, the total cost of fruits, vegetables and potatoes is close to record low in recent years in the country. Furthermore, the prices for vegetables and potatoes are now the lowest in comparison with the past years.

“Ongoing decrease of vegetable and potato prices made many producers refuse to sell their produce now in the hope for higher prices in winter or spring. Nevertheless, such a decision had almost no impact on the market, and prices kept on falling”, Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform Project, says. “Notwithstanding the majority of market players saying of further decrease of prices being impossible in the market, our experience shows that the prices for vegetables and potatoes are never too low or too high”.

Potatoes again made the most important contribution to the price decrease rate in Ukraine, as they became 7.7% less expensive. Carrots fell in price by 9%, onions – by 4-5%. Lemons and table grapes became less expensive too. At the same time, cucumber, peach, banana and watermelon prices grew.

We would remind you that Fruit-Inform Project's updated fundamental study “Fruit and Vegetable Market of Ukraine - 2011: Results and Forecasts for the Next Season” will be ready in two weeks. The study will contain the detailed updated fresh produce price forecast for Ukraine, the produce quality assessment, its storage potential and many other important information about Ukraine's fresh produce market.

The preliminary fruit and vegetable price forecast for the next season will be presented during the Eighth International Conference “Fruits & Vegetables of Ukraine – 2011. New Exporter” which will take place in conjunction with Fresh Produce Ukraine 2011 Fair, from November 30 to December 2, 2011.