Prices for the First Strawberries of 2026 in Transcarpathia: Reasons for Price Increase and Forecast
In mid-April 2026, the season for selling garden strawberries began in Ukraine, with producers from Transcarpathia – farmers from the Vynohradiv and Berehove districts – traditionally being the first to enter the markets. The starting price for Ukrainian strawberries was 300 UAH/kg, reflecting the high cost of growing early produce under challenging spring weather conditions.
This is reported by AgroReview
Growing Technologies and Features of the First Berries
The early start of the season was made possible by the implementation of combined agricultural technologies. Local farmers use greenhouses along with additional agro-fabric coverings, which protect the plants from nighttime frosts and provide optimal warmth for earlier ripening of the berries – 2-3 weeks earlier than traditional open-field cultivation.
At the same time, such strawberries remain a niche product, which directly affects their price. According to agronomist consultant Mykhailo Lendiel, the first berries have a high price due to the complexity of the technological process involved in their production.
- High energy costs: Significant expenses for fuel and electricity are required to maintain the necessary temperature in greenhouses and operate frost protection systems.
- Harvesting specifics: Early strawberries are harvested exclusively by hand and very selectively. Each berry undergoes strict selection to maintain quality during transportation.
- Logistics: The volumes of the first batches are small, which increases the cost of delivery to other regions of Ukraine.
“Three key factors shaping the price of 300 UAH/kg: high energy costs for temperature maintenance, the specifics of manual harvesting, and logistical challenges with small volumes.”
Price Change Forecasts for Strawberries in 2026
The current price of 300 UAH/kg is at its peak and, according to experts, will not last long. The cost of strawberries depends on weather conditions and the expansion of supply. As the harvest increases and other regions join in, the price will gradually decrease. A mass entry of Transcarpathian strawberries into the Ukrainian wholesale and retail markets is expected by early May, which will be a turning point for price changes.
Price Dynamics for Garden Strawberries in 2026
| Sales Period | Growing Type | Forecasted Price (UAH/kg) |
|---|---|---|
| Second half of April | Greenhouses + agro-fabric | 250 – 300 |
| First half of May | Film tunnels | 150 – 200 |
| End of May – June | Open field | 80 – 100 |
When the harvest from open fields appears on the market, the price of strawberries may drop to 80-100 UAH/kg, making the berries accessible to a wider range of consumers and the processing industry. Current quality requirements for berry products can be found on the website of the Ministry of Agrarian Policy and Food of Ukraine.
Experts advise those planning purchases for freezing or canning to wait until June, when the supply will be at its maximum and prices at their lowest. Additional information about the state of crops and news from the agricultural sector can be obtained from the State Consumer Service portal, which monitors the safety of early vegetables and fruits regarding nitrate content.
At this time, Transcarpathian strawberries remain a delicacy and open the berry season for 2026 in Ukraine.