August 3 2006, 10:23

Water-melon wholesale prices declined 40% during past week in Ukraine

According to data of wholesale price monitoring, during past week the price for water-melon declined 40% on KOPANI market, Kherson oblast. The price dropped from $0.13-0.19/kg down to $0.09-0.11/kg. So, the present level of the wholesale prices is the same as it was a year ago. However, past year was less favorable for this crop production; and, the cultivation areas of water-melon have significantly extended this year. It is notable that the retail prices for water-melon are still 25% higher than at the same period of time in 2005. This fact indirectly confirms the suggestion made by the analysts concerning greater demand for water-melons this season because of short supply of locally produced fruits. As a rule, fruits compete with water-melons.

To the opinion of the analysts of the Agricultural Marketing Project, the expected 35-40% growth of water-melon production this season is only able to restore the supply level observed in 2002-2003 years. Taking into consideration the growing demand, the prices will hardly diverge much from the past year level.