Main points
- Prices for greenhouse cucumbers in Ukraine have decreased significantly due to overproduction and import competition, amounting to 90-145 hryvnias per kilogram.
- Imports from Poland are increasing pressure on the market, driving prices down to 70 hryvnias per kilogram, while supermarkets offer prices from 149.89 to 200.50 hryvnias per kilogram.
Cucumbers are getting cheaper in Ukraine / Photo Freepik
The Ukrainian market has seen a sharp drop in prices for greenhouse cucumbers. The main reason was overproduction amid weak demand and growing import competition.
Excess production puts pressure on prices
The domestic market of Ukraine is experiencing a significant decrease in the cost of greenhouse cucumbers, EastFruit reports. According to analysts, the key factor was the increase in the volume of greenhouse harvests, while demand remained subdued.
Producers are reporting significant stockpiles. Average weekly greenhouse harvests continue to increase, further exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance.
To avoid losses due to unsold produce, farms are forced to quickly adjust prices. Currently, cucumbers are being shipped in the range of 90-145 hryvnias per kilogram ($2.07-3.33 per kilogram), which is about 21% cheaper than at the end of last week.
Imports increase competition
Additional pressure on prices is being exerted by imported products, primarily from Poland. Importers built up significant stocks even earlier, so they are now forced to sell them at lower prices – around 70 hryvnias per kilogram (1.61 USD per kilogram).
As a result, the domestic market found itself under double pressure: on the one hand, a surplus of domestic products, and on the other, the active presence of cheaper imports.
Important! At the same time, despite the current decline, greenhouse cucumbers in Ukraine still remain on average 15% more expensive than in the same period last year, which indicates a generally higher price level in the season.
What are the current prices for cucumbers in stores?
As of April 17, according to the Ministry of Finance, the following prices for cucumbers were set in popular supermarket chains:
- Auchan 169.90 hryvnias per kilogram;
- Metro 154.96 hryvnias per kilogram;
- Megamarket 200.50 hryvnias per kilogram;
- ATB 149.89 hryvnia per kilogram;
- Silpo 189 hryvnias per kilogram.
Last year's cabbage is getting more expensive again: what's happening with market prices?
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Prices for last year's white cabbage in Ukraine increased by 25% due to reduced supply and increased demand.
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Despite the price increase, current cabbage prices are significantly lower than last year's, on average by 85%, due to a surplus of production in previous periods.