Sharp drop in Ukrainian fresh produce price index

In the week April 23rd-29th, the Ukrainian fresh produce price index fell by 9.2%, after a decrease…

In the week April 23rd-29th, the Ukrainian fresh produce price index fell by 9.2%, after a decrease of 13.9% a week before, reports Fruit Inform. As a result, the Ukrainian market has started to be clearly characterized by a seasonal decline in fruit and vegetable prices.

''As a week before, the price index was under the serious influence of greenhouse vegetables, which had become sharply less expensive (tomatoes especially),'' says Ms. Tetiana Getman, Head of Fruit-Inform.

''Furthermore, the market will soon be entered by new suppliers, and this fact will significantly impact prices under fine weather conditions.''

Prices of traditional vegetables slightly increased last week thanks to more expensive carrots. The later spring had resulted in a delay in shipments of early vegetables; therefore, prices of last year's produce were relatively high.

A slight increase in potato prices under conditions of lower stocks of last year's produce and the lack of supply of early potatoes should also be noted.

Apple prices were still not high compared with last year's levels and did not change last week. Meanwhile, banana prices went down slightly; however, that decrease was fully compensated by more expensive lemons.