March 26 2012, 14:25 Fruit-Inform

More than 10 months of price decrease in Ukrainian fruit and vegetable market

Fruit-Inform's fruit and vegetable index shows that the value of Ukrainians' fruit and vegetable basket decreased by 5.8% last week, after 10.6% fall a week earlier. In such a way, the price decrease trend has been in effect in the Ukrainian fruit and vegetable market for more than 10 months in a row.

“Last week's fall of prices again showed an imbalance between supply and demand in the markets for traditional vegetables (onions, white cabbages, red beets, carrots), potatoes and greenhouse vegetables”, Mrs. Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform, said. “Moreover, growth of fruit prices could not compensate a negative trend in the vegetable market”, the expert added.

Potatoes kept on falling in price. They became averagely 16-20% less expensive over the past 2 weeks. Traditional vegetables decreased in price by 2-5% last week, as producers tried to get rid of produce unsuitable for storage. Owners of stored produce of high quality preferred to refrain from selling at all, as they priced their produce significantly higher than purchasers were ready to buy.

Greenhouse vegetables again became less expensive thanks to a further decrease in cucumber prices. As we had forecast, expansion of areas under cucumbers could not help but lead to negative consequences. The Ukrainian internal market was not saved even by more active exports.

Apples continued to grow in price. However, apple prices were still about a third lower year-on-year. Wholesale prices for mandarins (thanks to closer end of the season) and lemons slightly increased.

We would remind you that more detailed information about the Ukrainian and Russian fruit, vegetable and potato markets is available for subscribers of Fruit-Inform Weekly service package.