The apple paradigm: changes in prices and market trends in Ukraine

Ukrainian farmers face new challenges that significantly affect the apple market. Shortly after the beginning of September 2022, they refuse to export their products due to significant logistics costs and decide to sell off their volumes on the domestic market. Already in January 2023, a turning point in the dynamics of apple prices will be marked in Ukraine. According to analysts' calculations, in January alone, the average price of a quality apple in the country increased by 37%. This is quite an impressive indicator that attracts the attention of both consumers and market players.

At the beginning of May 2023, the price of apples in Ukraine continued its unstoppable growth. As of May 23, prices in Kyiv stores started at 40 hryvnias per kilogram. This is another signal that the market situation is gaining momentum, and consumers should expect significant changes in their budget for the purchase of fruit.

The reason for this rapid increase in prices is connected with farmers' refusal to export. This caused a shortage in foreign markets and led to an increase in domestic demand. The rise in prices is becoming an important factor for the country's economy, and also causes discussion among experts and the public about the strategy for the development of the agricultural sector.

Since the beginning of November 2023, Ukrainians have observed a decrease in prices for the most popular varieties of apples by an average of 5-15%. This was reported by Tetyana Popovych, head of the marketing department of the wholesale market of agricultural products "Shuvar" in Lviv. It is worth noting that the only exceptions were premium-quality Golden and Gala apples, which have risen in price by 2-3% over the past few days.

The price of the popular variety "Black Prince" decreased from UAH 18/kg to UAH 16.5/kg. Similarly, "Aidared" apple lost its value from UAH 19/kg to UAH 14/kg, and "Renet Simyrenko" is now available for UAH 13.5/kg, which is less compared to the starting price of UAH 16.5/kg. Despite this, experts assure that there is no shortage of domestic apples.

Previously, the main consumer of Ukrainian apples on the foreign market was Russia. However, the situation has changed, and large volumes of products that were previously exported to Russia remain in Ukraine. This helps to contain price growth, Tetyana Popovych said.

Many farmers decide to abandon exports due to high logistics costs and decide to sell their products on the domestic market. This leads to an increase in the supply of apples in Ukraine and, accordingly, to a decrease in their price for consumers.

The Ukrainian apple market is going through a period of change, which may determine the further development of the agricultural sector. Consumers and market players are watching to understand how these trends affect their capabilities and costs.