Record prices for potatoes in Ukraine: what awaits consumers?

Potato prices in Ukraine continue to rise, setting new records. The price of vegetables has been rising for more than a month, starting from September, which causes concern among consumers and experts. This is reported by analysts of the EastFruit project, noting that traditionally during this period, potato prices do not rise, as active harvesting continues.

As of today, in the main regions of production, potatoes are sold at prices from UAH 20 to UAH 30/kg, depending on the variety, quality, and volume of product batches. This is 18% more expensive on average than at the end of the previous business week. "It can be stated that potato prices continue to set new price records of the last decade," analysts emphasize.

The increase in potato prices is explained by several factors. First, most farmers have already completed the shipment of potatoes from the fields, and the vegetable has begun to be sold from storage, which traditionally leads to higher prices. Secondly, there is a limited supply of potatoes on the market, as this season's yield turned out to be lower.

Analysts also draw attention to the fact that the price of potatoes in Ukraine is already 2.9 times higher on average than at the end of October 2023. Large market players are in no hurry to sell the main volumes of potatoes, because they hope for a further increase in prices in this segment.

Despite the unfavorable situation, analysts predict that significant volumes of imported potatoes will arrive on the domestic market in the first half of the current season. According to experts, the beginning of mass imports can become a catalyst for stabilizing the price situation on the market.

In the conditions of uncertainty associated with changes in the potato market, consumers can only monitor prices and wait for positive changes in the price policy. Time will tell if imported potatoes will be able to lower prices, but for now, consumers should be ready for new challenges in the food market.