Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Experts Forecast Fruit and Berry Price Growth in 2006
Prices on fruits and berries will increase in 2006, this according to the prediction of Andriy Yarmak, Deputy Director of the Agricultural Marketing Project (AMP). This was announced at the second international conference "Fruits and Vegetables of Ukraine 2005" on December 6, 2005.
There he stated that production of the afore mentioned products is presently the most profitable segment of the Ukrainian produce business.
"Fruit, berry and nut producers earn 42% of the profits made in the F & V market in Ukraine", Mr. Yarmak stressed.
The expert also mentioned that the demand on quality products would continue to increase in the national fruit and berry market in 2006.
"The quality requirements to produce increased considerably this year", A. Yarmak said.
With regards to this, his data showed that the demand on imported grapes grew significantly in 2005 in Ukraine; buyers were less interested in buying grapes of local origin because it is thought they were of lesser quality than other imported table grapes.
"Produce quality means price. For example, the price difference for apples of various qualities can reach 200% today", A. Yarmak told the conference participants.
The expert also predicts in 2006 that berry acreage will drastically increase and the trend of decreased apple production will turn into growth.
Additionally, Mr. Yarmak forecasts price growth and export demand on fresh and frozen fruits and berries of national origin.