September 27 2006, 12:02

Annual changes of fruit and vegetable prices: an average price has grown

According to the data of wholesale fruit&vegetable price monitoring conducted by the Agricultural Marketing Project, an average price for these commodities has increased. At the same time, evaluating the profile of the definite crops, the trends are quite different. Some crops have got twice as expensive; the prices for other commodities have been reduced thrice.

The price growth was the most significant for potato and for consumers' wallets too. In the end of September potato is nearly twice as expensive (70-100%) comparing to the previous year. The price for this commodity is $0.33-0.39/kg on the wholesale markets; the retail price reaches $0.58/kg level.

Bulb onion is 10-25% more expensive today. The harvest was good, but the producers fear the harvested onion is not able to store long because of rainfalls during the harvesting period. The experts explain, the reason for price growth is a greater activeness of the purchasers. The experts think there is enough onion on market. That's why no price growth is forecasted for the nearest future.

Carrot price is 15-30% higher now, and the price growth is also based on the desire of the wholesale companies to fill their storages as quickly as possible. Despite of a not very high yield, the specialists speak about 20-25% greater gross carrot harvest comparing to the previous year due to the acreage extension. That's why the price may even decrease during October.

Tomatoes are 20-50% more expensive on the wholesale markets than they were a year ago. But, the specialists mention that tomato price on terms of customer's pick up is not higher than the price observed in the previous year. The price growth is mostly caused by the trading expenses. And, the price for tomato is actively changing nowadays. Of course, after the end of the harvesting season in October, the price for tomato will certainly go up.

Cabbage is 10-20% cheaper this year, as well as pepper (-20-40%), cucumber (-15-20%), egg-plant (-15-25%), and table beets (-10-15%). The price decrease for these vegetables is the result of the greater production, and better supply on market as a result. At the same time, the prices are high enough to satisfy producers.

It is worth mentioning that transportation expenses continue growing this year. This fact resulted in the growing difference between the prices in the southern regions - main vegetable producers - and the prices in consumer regions, Kyiv in particular.

Fruit prices grew up more significantly than vegetable prices. For example, apples are in average twice as expensive comparing to the previous year. The price difference is especially vivid for inexpensive apples demanded by the processors. Still, apples will be mainly harvested in October, so the prices should go down at that time.

Pears are 2-2.5 times more expensive than a year ago, grape price is 1.5-2 times higher in 2006. High price for grape can be explained by lack of Ukrainian grape on market which harvest is known to be poor this year.

Peaches are 20-30% more expensive; only imported produce is observed on market.

Water-melons are the only exception; this commodity costs nearly twice as cheap comparing to the season 2005.