There is a significant difference in the cost of open-field vegetables and greenhouse crops in the Ukrainian vegetable market. These conclusions can be drawn from the current market monitoring results.
This is reported by Finway
Impact of Seasonal Stocks on Vegetable Prices
The decrease in prices for seasonal vegetables is explained by the substantial stocks that were formed during the previous season. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, farmers harvested a quality crop, which is now stored in large quantities in warehouses. The excess supply over demand creates additional pressure on prices, contributing to their decline.
The vegetables that have seen the largest price drops are those in the so-called “borscht set”: cabbage, beets, carrots, onions, and potatoes. These products are the foundation of the consumer basket for Ukrainians and currently play a key role in curbing overall food inflation.
The excess of products in the market has created pressure on prices.
Possible Price Increases in the Coming Months
Experts emphasize that the current price situation is temporary. With the reduction of stocks in warehouses, as well as rising storage costs, a price increase is likely to be observed. Among the main factors that could influence price hikes, analysts highlight rising electricity tariffs, logistics costs, and the overall economic conditions in the country. The current market state is characteristic of a transitional period between seasons, where cheap open-field vegetables temporarily curb inflation, but the situation may change soon.
Greenhouse Vegetable Segment: Pricing Features
The greenhouse vegetable segment shows an opposite dynamic. Cucumbers and tomatoes maintain high prices due to significant energy resource costs required for heating and lighting greenhouses during the winter period. Prices also rise due to imports, as part of the produce comes from abroad, leading to additional logistics costs and dependence on exchange rates.
As a result, this leads to a persistent price difference between the greenhouse and open-field segments of the vegetable market, increasing the burden on consumers.
Vegetable Prices in April 2026
As of April, the average wholesale prices for open-field vegetables remain relatively low: onions cost about 8 UAH/kg, potatoes — 10 UAH/kg, carrots — 8 UAH/kg, beets — 7.5 UAH/kg, and cabbage — about 8 UAH/kg.
At the same time, greenhouse vegetables are significantly more expensive: the average price of cucumbers is 47.5 UAH/kg, and tomatoes are nearly 80 UAH/kg, confirming a significant price gap between these market segments.