June 18 2007, 09:01

Growth of global prices for frozen strawberry won't influence Ukrainian market

According to information of CIS produce business periodical, ""Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal", the global prices for strawberry are growing by quite rapid rates. This fact is predominantly preconditioned by the declined strawberry supply in China that is the largest supplier of frozen strawberry on market. The other reason is high prices for this product in Poland, which whip up European prices.

At the same time, Ukrainian market has not responded yet to the global trends because of the high inner prices for fresh strawberry. Andriy Yarmak, the Manager of "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" project, believes that "it would be too early to speak on the influence of Chinese or Polish frozen strawberry on Ukrainian market until the inner strawberry market is satisfied". For example, the wholesale prices for frozen strawberry fluctuate $1-1.1/kg on the world market this year. But, the wholesale price for fresh strawberry seldom declined lower the mentioned level during three previous years in Ukraine.

However, the further expansion of strawberry production in Ukraine may lead to the inner market saturation in the coming years, so that the flash strawberry freezing has the potential to become an attractive business.