Meat remains one of the most expensive products in Ukraine, so its demand is not so high, which, in turn, limits the growth of prices. As noted by Maksym Hopka, an analyst at the Ukrainian Agrarian Business Club (UKAB) association, in a comment to UNIAN, meat prices vary depending on various factors, such as production costs, demand, and even the geopolitical situation.

According to the expert, beef is one of the most expensive types of meat in Ukraine, and its price has remained relatively stable over the past few years. However, due to the increase in production costs, beef prices are increasing slightly. Thus, as of January 14, the average price of beef goulash in supermarkets ranges from 300 to 310 hryvnias per kilogram. At the same time, demand for this product remains low, since not all Ukrainians can afford to buy it, which does not allow the price to increase sharply. The price of beef is not expected to change significantly until spring.

Hopka also noted that the decrease in the number of cows on household farms, which is observed in Ukraine, may affect the slaughter weight of animals and, accordingly, the price of beef. Given this, the price of this type of meat is likely to remain stable in the near future.

As for pork, in the pre-New Year period, there was a slight increase in demand for this product, which led to an increase in its cost. In December, pork prices in supermarkets ranged from 260 to 270 hryvnias per kilogram. However, after the New Year holidays, in the first week of January, the price of pork decreased slightly and averaged 250 hryvnias per kilogram. Currently, the price of pork has risen again to 266 hryvnias per kilogram.

The expert believes that there are currently no grounds for a significant decrease in pork prices. However, several factors may affect its cost in the coming months. One of them is the reduction of the pig population due to hostilities in part of Ukraine, which limits pork production. The situation with power outages may also affect prices, as producers will have to cover additional electricity costs, which may lead to an increase in the price of meat.

Pork prices are likely to be affected by seasonal demand until the end of winter. Traditionally, there is a decrease in demand for pork in late winter and early spring, which may contribute to a decrease in its price. However, with Easter approaching in April, when pork consumption traditionally increases, a price increase is possible due to increased demand.

Thus, minor price fluctuations are forecast on the meat market in Ukraine, and the cost of pork and beef may vary within 10 hryvnias per kilogram from current levels until the beginning of spring.