This week, the Ukrainian market recorded a decrease in prices for strawberries from local farms. The main reason for the decrease was the increase in the supply of berries from producers from the western regions of the country, who have actively started the harvest season.
This was reported by EastFruit analysts. According to their data, the growth in product volumes on the market is gradually affecting the formation of new price trends in the fresh berry segment.
Experts note that the demand for garden strawberries among buyers currently remains quite restrained. At the same time, competition between producers is intensifying, which is why farmers are forced to adjust the cost of products. This is especially true for berries that spoil quickly and require prompt sale.
A week ago, Ukrainian farms did not agree to sell greenhouse strawberries cheaper than 200–260 hryvnias per kilogram. However, at the beginning of this week, the situation began to change. After the start of the harvest in the southern and western regions, where strawberries are grown in film greenhouses, wholesale prices have noticeably dropped.
As a result, the average cost of the berry on the wholesale market has decreased by about 14%. Currently, producers sell strawberries at a price of 170–230 hryvnias per kilogram, depending on the quality of the product, the volume of batches and the region of sale.
Despite the current decrease in price, analysts note that strawberry prices in Ukraine still remain significantly higher than last year. According to EastFruit, today the berry costs an average of 32% more than in the same period last year.
Experts also emphasize that the market has not yet reached the peak supply of local strawberries. Mass harvesting is expected at the beginning of next month, so prices may continue to gradually decline in the near future.
At the same time, the further situation on the market will depend on weather conditions, the pace of arrival of products from the regions and consumer purchasing activity. If the volume of berries continues to grow, competition between producers may further intensify the trend towards cheaper strawberries.
agrinews.com.ua
