June 20 2006, 12:58

Processors will lack sour and sweet cherry this year

According to production and price forecast for water-melon, melon, table grape, fruits and berries in Ukraine in 2006, as a result of severe winter frosts sour cherry production will be 15-20% less than a year ago. This forecast is proved now, as market players report about even more significant production decrease, according to information of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal. Cool and rainy weather was observed when sweet and sour cherry trees bloomed. The process of pollination and fruit formation was deteriorated practically in all territory of Ukraine. First half of June was rainy, so it can negatively influence produce quality as well.

The demand for sour and sweet cherry has been dynamically growing in recent years both from the side of processors and fresh market. Taking into account this fact, average prices will definitely grow. A significant part of the produce will be sold on fresh market where the prices are usually the highest. Processing enterprises have already started to process these commodities; respectively, they will purchase smaller volumes, and the prices will be higher.

At present moment retail price for sweet cherry is almost 40-50% higher than a year ago in Cherkasy oblast. No price decrease was observed in the first half of June. At the same period of time past year the price dropped down one third, according to information provided by Cherkasy office of the Agricultural Marketing Project. Sour cherry is expected to come on central region markets early July. Past year small shipments of sour cherry were purchased for $ 0.11/kg and more from the local population; large shipments were purchased for up to $0.17-0.23/kg including transportation to a cannery.