This week, prices for locally grown strawberries in Ukraine have dropped sharply, according to analysts from the EastFruit project. Experts attribute the current market situation primarily to a rapid surge in supply from farms in the western regions of the country. At the same time, growers report relatively low consumer demand, largely due to poor berry quality caused by unfavorable weather conditions over the past several weeks.
As a result, amid intense market competition, producers have been forced to significantly lower prices for this highly perishable product.
Just before the past weekend, farmers selling greenhouse-grown strawberries were unwilling to offer them for less than 220–260 UAH/kg ($5.31–6.27/kg). However, at the beginning of this week, as producers in the southern and western regions began harvesting strawberries from plastic tunnels, prices fell sharply — by up to 35% — to 120–190 UAH/kg ($2.90–4.59/kg), depending on quality and batch volume.
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It is important to note that the supply of locally grown strawberries in Ukraine has yet to reach its seasonal peak. More widespread harvesting is expected to begin in early June.
Whether the downward price trend will continue in the coming month remains uncertain. According to growers from nearly all regions of Ukraine, between 30% and 100% of early strawberry varieties were lost due to severe frosts in April and May this year. This factor could potentially lead to a dramatic shift in current market trends.
Despite the recent price drop, strawberries in Ukraine are still being sold at an average of 45% more than during the same period last year.
For more detailed insights into the strawberry market and other fruit and vegetable sectors in Ukraine, visit the EastFruit website.
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