In December 2025, the Ukrainian market is expected to see a traditional increase in demand for food products due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. As a result, experts predict a rise in the prices of most product categories, although the level of fluctuations will depend on the type of goods.
This is reported by Finway
Changes in Prices for Meat and Fish
According to economist Volodymyr Chyzh, with the onset of the holidays, the demand for meat products increases, leading to a seasonal price increase of 5-10%. The largest price hikes are expected for pork, with prices potentially rising by up to 10% due to increased demand for traditional festive dishes. Chicken, according to the expert, will remain stable in price due to sufficient domestic production that compensates for seasonal fluctuations. Beef is showing moderate but steady price growth within the range of 3-6%.
The pre-holiday period is also a time of peak demand for sausages, ham, salami, and other delicacies. According to the expert, prices for products in the mid and premium segments may rise by 8-12%, while budget varieties of sausages will experience minimal changes in price.
Imported fish, particularly salmon, mackerel, and trout, may increase in price by 10-15% due to high demand ahead of the holidays. Ukrainian fish, such as carp and silver carp, will also see a slight price increase of up to 5%.
Vegetables, Fruits, Bread, and Sweets: Growth Trends
Fruits, especially citrus fruits – oranges, lemons, tangerines – traditionally become more expensive in December. A price increase of 10-15% is forecasted. Apples and pears produced in Ukraine may rise in price by 3-5%, depending on storage conditions, while the price of bananas will increase by 5-8% due to currency fluctuations.
“Apples and pears produced in Ukraine may only rise in price by 3-5%, depending on their storage conditions. Bananas, on the other hand, respond to the exchange rate. Therefore, their price may increase by 5-8%,” the report states.
Vegetables from the borscht set (potatoes, beets, carrots, onions) will remain relatively stable in price due to large stocks, although a price increase of 2-5% is possible. Greenhouse vegetables – bell peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes – traditionally become more expensive due to seasonality and dependence on energy resources, with prices potentially rising by up to 15%.
Baked goods will see the least price increase, expected to rise by no more than 2-3% due to stable production and competition among manufacturers.
In December, sales of sweets, chocolate, and gift sets traditionally increase. Premium sets may rise in price by 10-15%, while mid-range chocolate will increase by 5-8%. Budget candies will remain almost unchanged, and an additional factor for price increases in chocolate products is the instability of cocoa prices in global markets.
Overall, according to the expert’s forecast, during the pre-holiday period, prices for most products will rise within the range of 5-12% depending on the category. Imported goods and delicacies will see the largest price increases, while basic Ukrainian products will remain relatively stable in price.