Ukrainian consumers will soon be able to buy cherries at significantly lower prices. After record-high starting prices reaching several thousand UAH per kilogram, experts predict a stabilization of prices at around 100–150 UAH per kilogram during the peak season. A shortage of products in the domestic market is not expected.
This is reported by Finway
Harvest situation in key regions
According to the Institute of Horticulture of NAAS, this year the main production regions — Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk — managed to avoid critical harvest losses despite challenging spring weather conditions. These regions remain the main centers for cherry cultivation after losing part of the southern territories. The absence of large-scale spring frosts has allowed for good prospects for the harvest.
“The best situation is in the farms of Odesa and Dnipropetrovsk regions, which currently remain the main centers for cherry production after losing part of the southern territories. Experts note that it is the absence of large-scale spring frosts in these regions that has preserved the prospects for a good harvest.”
Reasons for record prices at the beginning of the season
In May, cherry prices remain high mainly due to the dominance of imported berries in the Ukrainian market. Currently, the shelves are mostly filled with products from Spain and Greece. In some markets, the price of Spanish cherries has already exceeded 2,000 UAH per kilogram, which is explained by high procurement costs in Europe, logistics expenses, and trade markups. However, Greek cherries are gradually becoming cheaper, which is already affecting price formation.
Price reduction and import prospects
With the arrival of early and mid-season varieties of Ukrainian cherries, the price of the berries is expected to start decreasing. Analysts emphasize that a similar situation was observed last year: after an information hype, the market quickly filled with local products, and prices fell to 75–150 UAH per kilogram.
Due to the short shelf life of cherries, sellers are forced to sell the berries quickly, focusing on the purchasing power of the population. Therefore, after the start of mass sales of Ukrainian products, large volumes of imports become economically unfeasible. Experts are confident that this summer the market will be supplied with local berries without the need for significant imports.
Considering the weather anomalies and spring frosts, Ukrainians will not be left without domestic cherries. It is expected that very soon, fruit markets will be filled with locally produced goods, and prices will remain at an acceptable level for consumers.