For the week March 18-25, 2016, the Ukrainian fruit and vegetable market was characterized by an increase of 7.2% in prices of traditional vegetables and potatoes, according to Fruit-Inform.
''An increase in trade in traditional vegetables and potatoes is often observed in Ukraine in late March – early April, especially during seasons with rather low domestic production. As a rule, an increase in the demand for vegetables is followed by a wider price range due to a rise of high-quality produce and is often a reason for active imports from the EU and Eastern Europe,'' says Ms. Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform.
The most significant increase in prices was registered in the table beet segment last week: prices went up by 40% week-on-week and were the highest over the whole history of independent Ukraine.
Prices of white cabbages and potatoes also grew: by 12% and 8%, respectively.
At the same time, carrot prices were stable. Carrot sales rates were rather high; however, sellers were unable to raise their prices due to regular imports from Belarus. Onion prices also were stable despite active exports to Turkey and Iraq. The Ukrainian market participants connected price stability with still high stocks of onions in the country.
Meanwhile, apple growers had to slightly reduce their prices due to problems with sales in the majority of regions. Moreover, sellers from the western regions of Ukraine fixed their prices at minimum levels, and this fact will force other growers to reduce their prices more significantly in the near future.
The situation in the citrus market was stable: sellers spoke of moderate demand and rarely revised their prices.
At the same time, banana sellers continued to reduce their prices due to lack of active demand for their produce. As a result, bananas became 7% less expensive in Ukraine last week.
