June 7 2007, 14:28

Ukrainian producers of early strawberry made twice as much profit this year

The CIS produce business periodical ""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" has conducted the survey; according to its results, the producers of early strawberry are satisfied with the current season. The producers perceive this season as sufficiently favorable despite of May frosts, which declined 10-30%, the yield of early strawberry varieties in many regions, and the following high temperature, which deteriorated the yield for another 10-20%.

The market players are primarily satisfied with one main circumstance - there were no problems to sell the produced berries for affordable prices this season. At this period of time past year mostly produce grown under film was present on market; the berries grown under agrifiber just started to enter the market. This year the field early strawberry from the southern regions of the country is actively supplied on market.

Talking about the prices, this year they are comparable to the past year data (regarding the quality produce) despite of the earlier season start. High quality strawberry of Ukrainian origin is sold 15-25% more expensive early June this year in Kyiv, if compared to the previous year. At the same time, the lower price level has declined almost 30% due to the extended supply and assortment. If we consider the fact that the growers of early strawberry entered the market two weeks earlier on average, we'll find out that the growers earned almost 50% as much selling the same volume of strawberry, which they did in 2006.