Abnormally low temperatures recorded in April 2026 may seriously affect the harvest of fruits and berries in Ukraine. The crops that bloom earlier than others have suffered the most from spring frosts, so some fruit products may be in short supply as early as the beginning of the season.
This is reported by Finway
“Experts warn that the consequences of adverse weather will primarily be felt by consumers who rely on early Ukrainian fruits and berries.”
Which fruits are at the greatest risk
According to estimates by agricultural market analysts, apricots, peaches, early cherries, and strawberries are at the highest risk of being in short supply. These crops are particularly vulnerable to spring cold snaps during the blooming and fruit-setting period. Damage from frosts may lead to a significant reduction in the quantity of these fruits on Ukrainian shelves as early as the beginning of the season when supply is traditionally limited.
Experts emphasize that a significant portion of the apricot and peach harvest may have been destroyed by frosts, increasing the risk of a shortage of these fruits for consumers. As a result, certain types of fruits may become more expensive, and their availability will depend on import capabilities.
The role of imports in ensuring the fruit market
Despite the challenging situation, analysts do not predict a critical shortage of fruits for the population. In the event of a lack of Ukrainian products, the market traditionally compensates for it through imports. Additional volumes of fruits are expected to arrive from Turkey and Central Asian countries, which remain key suppliers of seasonal products for Ukraine.
Economists note that even a significant reduction in fruit harvests will not have as much impact on the well-being of the population as changes in prices for basic food products. The main items in the consumer basket remain bread, vegetables, grains, and potatoes, while fruits and berries are traditionally not considered socially significant products.
Therefore, the main focus of experts during the analysis of the food situation remains on the harvest of major agricultural crops and the dynamics of prices for essential goods.
Furthermore, according to recent data, prices for young cabbage in Ukraine have significantly decreased, and as of mid-May 2026, it is being sold for 34–40 UAH per kilogram.