The embargo imposed on Polish agricultural products by the Russian Federal Veterinary and Phytosanitary Service, is likely to affect the Russian market, in a very pricey manner. The only substitute for fresh products that were previously imported from Poland is now African and South African goods. However, due to high logistic expenses, the apples will cost a third more by the end of the year.
If now the price range on apples is 1-3 euros per kilo, then in December it will be 1.3-4 euros.
This will be caused by necessity of retailers to replace the Polish products. According to Evgeny Mahovoy, the representative of Fruits&Berry Company that mediated import of Polish fruit and vegetables into Russia, the closest substitute for Polish fruit, in terms of storage period and reasonable price, is African and South African fruit.
Although, it will require development of logistics and new transport chains. Inflation and fall in the rouble being considered, the prices will rise up to 50%.
"I don’t think we will see the double price in the supermarkets, as there will be a certain discount. Nevertheless, a 30-40% increase in prices is inevitable", says Evgeny Mahovoy.
