January 4 2007, 11:28

Prices for quality apples will grow in Ukraine

According to the forecasts of the analysts of the "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal, the weekly professional periodical of the produce business of Ukraine, the wholesale prices for quality dessert apples will grow in coming months in the country. This year apple harvest is even lower than the harvest 2005 in Ukraine; in addition to that, the increased average prices for this commodity in the neighboring Poland will influence the price growth for apples in our country. According to the preliminary assessments, the monthly price growth will constitute 5 to 15% in the coming weeks.

The specialists think that apple prices will grow the most considerably in April when the low seasonal tariff rate for apple import to Ukraine is out of effect. Also, starting from May the 1st 2007 the VAT rate for agricultural commodities is increased from 3% to 7% in Poland. This fact is likely to result in a certain price growth for food stuff as well.

So, Ukrainian producers and wholesalers have a chance to obtain a significantly greater sales profit, if they are able to store apples till April-May. However, the factor of the seasonal decrease of apple consumption in May-June should be taken into consideration. During this period of time newly harvested early produce and berries enter market.