In 2023–2024, the period of reduced potato prices in Ukraine has significantly shortened: before the full-scale war, it lasted about 10 months, but now it is only 2–4 months. This change is related to the impact of the war and the occupation of part of the southern regions of Russia, which has led to significant transformations in the vegetable market.
This is reported by Finway
Impact of War on Potato Production and Import
As a result of hostilities, the area planted with potatoes has decreased by 21%, and the total production volume has dropped by 11%. The segment of early potatoes, which were traditionally grown in the southern regions, has been particularly affected — it has virtually disappeared from the market. This has led to a significant increase in consumer prices: while in 2021 the average price was 11.2 UAH per kilogram, by 2024 it has risen to 24 UAH per kilogram.
“The period of ‘low’ potato prices has decreased from 10 months before the war to 2–4 months in 2023–2024.”
The import of potatoes has also undergone changes: in the first year of the war, its volume decreased by 17 times, but subsequently began to gradually recover. The geography of supplies has changed as well — while previously the main importers were Russia and Belarus, the primary suppliers now include Georgia, Macedonia, Greece, Azerbaijan, and Turkey.
Experts’ Price Forecasts for Potatoes
According to Olga Samoylichenko, the executive director of the Potato Producers Association, Ukrainian potatoes may reach price parity with imported products. However, she does not forecast a significant price increase in the near future. Other market specialists share a similar view. Sergey Rybalko, a board member of the Ukrainian Potato Producers Association, notes that the current situation in the industry is significantly better than it was last year, so there are no grounds for a sharp increase in potato prices at this time.