In Ukraine, prices for greenhouse vegetables have sharply increased due to shortages and cold weather
In Ukraine, there has been a steady increase in prices for greenhouse vegetables for the fourth week in a row. The main factors driving up prices are the cold weather, which has negatively affected the volume of harvested crops, and a shortage of products in the domestic market.
This is reported by AgroReview
Cucumber prices have nearly doubled
Over the past week, cucumber harvesting volumes in local greenhouse farms have decreased by almost five times compared to the previous week. Producers are forced to sell vegetables only in small wholesale, as the supply has sharply diminished.
“This week, cucumber samples in local greenhouse facilities have decreased by approximately 5 times compared to last week,” analysts from EastFruit reported.
As a result, cucumber prices have increased by an average of 66% and currently range from 65 to 80 hryvnias per kilogram ($1.57 to $1.93 per kilogram). The market situation is supported by the absence of imported products and stable demand from wholesale and retail companies.
It is expected that importers may resume cucumber supplies from abroad in the coming days. If cheaper imported products arrive, the price of local cucumbers may stabilize or even decrease.
Currently, the average price of cucumbers in Ukraine is 27% higher than the figures for the same period last year.
Trend of rising prices for greenhouse tomatoes
A similar situation is observed in the tomato market. Ukrainian greenhouse complexes began to raise the selling prices for available batches of tomatoes this week, which is related to the decrease in supply volumes amid the cold weather. Demand for the product remains high.
“Representatives of Ukrainian greenhouse complexes this week have had the opportunity to start raising selling prices for existing batches of tomatoes,” analysts note.
As of October 11, greenhouse tomatoes are being sold for 50 to 60 hryvnias per kilogram ($1.20 to $1.57 per kilogram), which is 51% more expensive compared to the end of the previous week. Due to the end of the season, a limited number of batches of tomatoes remain on the market from most small producers.
The volume of harvest in stationary greenhouses remains insignificant, so vegetables are sold in small batches. Despite the significant increase in cost, tomato prices are still 20% lower than during the same period last year. At the same time, producers do not rule out further price increases, as demand remains stable.
Future prospects for prices of greenhouse vegetables
According to experts, in the near future, the market may react to the arrival of imported vegetables, which will limit further price increases. However, significant decreases in the cost of greenhouse products are not expected until weather conditions stabilize.