Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Ukrainian growers concerned about low prices of Chinese cabbage
Ukrainian growers of Chinese cabbage are disappointed in prices and demand for produce, according to Fruit-Inform. Against a background of a rapid rise in prices of other vegetables, prices of Chinese cabbage have changed slightly year-on-year in the UAH equivalent and even gone down by a third in EUR one.
Now prices rarely exceed UAH 5.50-6.50/kg (EUR 0.21-0.25/kg) against UAH 5-6/kg (EUR 0.31-0.39/kg) in early November 2014. Moreover, many farms complain about unsatisfactory demand, especially small growers who do not collaborate with supermarket chains.
Fruit-Inform analysts connect the situation with two factors. Firstly, many farms have planted Chinese cabbage for the first time in the current season as an experiment. As a result, the supply has somewhat grown year-on-year. Such a decision was based on rather high prices of Chinese cabbage in the previous season. However, many growers did not take into account that prices had started growing only in December in the previous season.
A jump in prices was connected with the devaluation of the national currency in Ukraine that resulted in an increase in prices of imported produce, which had usually covered the Ukrainian market demand in winter and spring. The majority of growers of Chinese cabbage do not have proper storage facilities; therefore, their sales period is most often limited to harvesting time (November).
Secondly, the quality of Chinese cabbage have worsened year-on-year. Savings on plant protection products and fertilizers have resulted in mass spread of diseases; therefore, it is impossible to sell such produce at high prices.
More detailed information about the Ukrainian vegetable market developments and trends will be presented at the 12th International Conference «Fruits & Vegetables of Ukraine-2015. Reload» (December 1-3, Kiev, Ukraine).
The conference will also host the 5th International Trade Forum which involves more than 20 Ukrainian supermarket chains and leading importers ready to negotiate with fruit and vegetable suppliers.
Conference draft program, more detailed information about the events, participation conditions, advertising opportunities and sponsorship packages are available on the official web-site. To register your participation, please fill out the following application form.
Would you have any questions, please contact International Relations Department of Fruit-Inform:
tel: +380 562 320795 (ext. - 341)
cell: +380 96 5836323 (Ievgen Kuzin)