In Ukraine, a decrease in potato prices is forecasted in the near future, which is a traditional phenomenon during the mass harvest period. The seasonal price drop is driven by the active sale of the harvest by small producers who lack the capacity for long-term storage of vegetables and are forced to sell their products quickly.
This is reported by Finway
Impact of Small Producers on the Market
Olha Samoilychenko, Executive Director of the Ukrainian Potato Producers Association (UAVK), explained that unregistered farms, which cultivate between 1 and 5 hectares of land, significantly influence price formation. By selling potatoes without paying taxes, they often cause prices to drop to levels that are unprofitable for professional farmers.
“Prices for potatoes are usually driven down by unregistered farms that do not pay taxes. Typically, they cultivate between 1 and 5 hectares of land, but there are many of them, so they affect prices that are unfavorable for professional potato growers,” Samoilychenko explained, calling for the regulation of the Ukrainian potato market and the introduction of official statistics.
Meanwhile, UAVK notes that the final forecast regarding potato prices remains ambiguous. Experts are divided in their opinions: some expect further declines in wholesale prices, while others believe that prices will remain at the level of imports — around 20 UAH per kilogram, as a certain shortage in the domestic market still persists.
Current Situation with Prices and Statistics
The price of potatoes in Ukraine varies depending on the variety and seller. According to “Minfin”, the average prices in July were:
- young potatoes – 28.32 UAH/kg;
- regular potatoes – 35.41 UAH/kg;
- pink potatoes – 41.04 UAH/kg.
The consumer price index for potatoes in July was 90.17%, indicating a decrease in average cost by 9.83% compared to the previous month.
In the largest retail chains in the country, the current prices for potatoes are as follows:
- Metro – 20.70 UAH/kg;
- Novus – 17.99 UAH/kg;
- Auchan – 32.90 UAH/kg;
- “Fora” – 18.90 UAH/kg;
- “Silpo” – 27.00 UAH/kg;
- ATB – 19.79 UAH/kg;
- Varus – 19.30 UAH/kg.
Thus, the market shows a variety of prices, reflecting both seasonal trends and the competitive dynamics between producers and sellers.