In October, Ukrainian supermarkets recorded another increase in pork prices. Premium cuts of meat, such as sirloin, sirloin, steak and neck, were the most affected by the price increase, which indicates an increase in the price burden on consumers who choose these products.

According to the data of the monitoring carried out by the analytical department of the "Swine Farmers of Ukraine" Association (ASU), the average retail price for a kilogram of chilled pork in October reached UAH 207.9/kg. This means an increase of 2.2% or UAH 4.4 compared to the prices of the previous month.

ASU analysts emphasize that in October the price of pork semi-finished products reached record values, which were recorded last year only in September. This price increase is worrying for consumers, especially in light of price fluctuations for other types of meat, such as chicken.

It is interesting that last year the main factor in the growth of retail prices for pork was the increase in the purchase price of live pigs. However, the situation has changed this year: in October, the average purchase price of live weight of pigs was 31% lower than in September 2023. This indicates other factors affecting the increase in the price of meat in supermarkets.

ASU experts explain that this year's price increase is related to general changes in the stages of pricing. In particular, the cost of chilled pork half-carcasses exceeded last year's indicators, which is partly due to the need of slaughterhouses to compensate for losses from the decrease in prices for related slaughter products (skin, fat and offal), for which demand has significantly decreased, while supply has remained high.

During the increase in prices, premium cuts of pork increased in price the most, while prices for non-premium cuts such as shoulder, thigh and brisket remained at a more affordable level. In addition, the gap between the prices of pork and chicken fillets has narrowed, which may encourage some consumers to choose less expensive meat options.