Tomato Prices: Why the Cost is Rising and What to Expect Next

The Ukrainian vegetable market is experiencing a rapid increase in tomato prices. The main reason for this phenomenon is high demand on the eve of the New Year holidays and limited supply. Currently, the vast majority of tomatoes sold in Ukrainian stores are imported, in particular from Turkey.

According to analytical data from the EastFruit project, over the past week alone, the cost of tomatoes on the domestic market has increased by an average of 20%. Currently, imported tomatoes are sold at a price of 80-100 hryvnias per kilogram, depending on their variety, quality and batch size.

"This week, the supply of tomatoes on the market was insufficient. Ukrainian greenhouse farms have almost completed the sales season, and local products have become unavailable. At the same time, imports could not fully cover the existing demand. This created conditions for an increase in prices for imported tomatoes," EastFruit experts note.

It is important to note that greenhouse tomatoes in Ukraine are already 12% more expensive than in the same period last year. Market players predict further price increases, as demand for these products remains consistently high, even despite the increase in cost.

Unlike tomatoes, prices for cucumbers in Ukraine have begun to decline. This is explained by the unusually low demand for this vegetable in mid-December. Sellers are forced to reduce prices in order to stimulate sales.

The current situation in the market for tomatoes and other greenhouse vegetables demonstrates dependence on imported products, which in the conditions of holiday excitement can lead to significant price fluctuations. Market participants advise consumers to be prepared for further price increases, at least until the end of the winter season.