February 14 2006, 14:52

Bananas are expected to get up in price soon in Ukraine

Banana prices are prognosed to increase in February, while citrus fruit prices will remain relatively stable. Elena Alekseeva, the Sales Manager of Ukrainian Fruit Company informed the LIGABusinessInform journalist about it.

As she said, banana prices can grow on $1 per box and more. Now banana box costs $16.8-17 in average. "The price increase on these fruits is caused by the trend observed now on Ukrainian market", Mrs. Alekseeva explained.

At the same time, the expert thinks that citrus fruit prices are supposed to stay on the same level, the price has increased a little bit by today. "There is a deficit of good tangerines observed on market now, the fruit transportation is too long, ships are delayed up to one week", added Elena. And, she thinks vegetable prices will not change.

Andrey Yarmak, the Deputy Director of the Agricultural Marketing Project confirmed that banana price growth is possible, but it won't be higher than 4-6%. "Price growth on bananas will lead to the certain consumption decrease, as apple prices remain on the same moderate level on market", the expert pointed out. To A. Yarmak's opinion, banana consumption is a top record now in Ukraine, thanks to the population income growth in 2005 and the decreased import tax on exotic fruits.