December 14 2006, 10:46

Citrus fruit keeps cheeping and bananas prices go up

An activation of citrus fruits and bananas demand is being observed on Ukrainian fruit market. It looks like importers were prepared to it. In spite of demand's growth, average wholesale price on the most citrus fruits was going down during the last few days. Mandarin and orange prices decreased in average 4%. Average wholesale prices on bananas grew just as much.

Exotic fruits suppliers note quality degradation of imported commodities. Comparing exotic fruits prices of this year with those of the previous year, analysts note growth of the average wholesale price on bananas 10% and decreasing of the average wholesale price on mandarin 19%. One can buy oranges now 13% cheaper than in December 2005, while lemon wholesale price didn't essentially change.

Fruits and vegetables importers expect demand jump on tropical fruits during the last week of this year. However, supply increase of these fruits, according to our estimates, will approximately be proportional to the demand growth, which will let avoid sharp rise in prices on them.