Ukraine Forecasts Pear Shortage and Price Increase Due to May Frosts

This year, the Ukrainian pear market is facing a shortage caused by May frosts. According to experts, approximately 10% of the harvest was lost due to unfavorable weather conditions, which has already affected the supply of fruits and led to price increases.

This is reported by AgroReview

Growing Costs and Impact on Prices

The General Director of a leading orchard in the Vinnytsia region, Vadym Rozpotniuk, notes that this year’s weather challenges have forced farmers to significantly increase their expenses on tree protection. The cost of treating orchards and using additional products has risen, which in turn has increased the production costs.

“The production cost of this year’s pears is 30% higher than last year. We used much more products to combat unfavorable weather conditions. This resulted in a smaller harvest, but at least we have something,” he said.

According to Rozpotniuk, the increase in costs will inevitably be reflected in the price of the product for the end consumer. It is expected that the purchase price of pears from farmers will rise from 50 to 70 UAH/kg by the end of the fruit storage loading season, an increase of 20 UAH/kg. Accordingly, retail prices may also rise. Currently, the average price of pears in stores is 77.9 UAH/kg, but the upward trend is expected to continue.

Shortage of Ukrainian Pears in Supermarkets

Monitoring of major retail chains shows that Ukrainian pears are currently not available in all supermarkets. Instead, imported products from the Netherlands, Spain, Ecuador, and South Africa dominate the shelves. In those stores where Ukrainian pears are sold, as of October 11, their prices range from 49.9 to 99 UAH/kg:

• “Silpo” – 90 UAH/kg;
• “Novus” – 99 UAH/kg;
• “Varus” – 49.9 UAH/kg;
• “Metro” – 72.7 UAH/kg.

Thus, consumers should be prepared for a limited supply of Ukrainian pears and an increase in their price in the coming months.