Vegetables are getting cheaper, while berries are getting more expensive: how food prices in Ukraine have changed over the week

The fruit and vegetable market in Ukraine is showing divergent trends: while prices for most seasonal vegetables and fruits continue to fall, individual items such as strawberries, cherries, and garlic are recording price increases. Experts attribute these fluctuations to changes in supply volumes and seasonal demand.

Potatoes and corn have become more affordable

The most noticeable price drop has been recorded in the potato and sweet corn segment. New harvest potatoes, which cost 13–17 hryvnias per kilogram a week ago, are now offered at 12–16 hryvnias. Regular potatoes have also become cheaper: the price range has shifted from 13–45 hryvnias to 12–25 hryvnias per kg.

Sweet corn showed a record drop in price. If at the end of June the price per cob was 33–38 hryvnias, at the moment it has fallen to 20–30 hryvnias. EastFruit analysts note that this product remains the leader in demand among buyers, despite the overall increase in supply on the shelves.

Price increase for greens and certain vegetables

Despite the general trend towards cheaper prices, some product categories have become more expensive. A significant price jump has been recorded for garlic: its cost has risen from 70–110 hryvnias to 100–130 hryvnias per kilogram. New harvest onions have also become more expensive — from 16–18 hryvnias to 18–20 hryvnias per kg. Chinese cabbage has risen in price to 53–57 hryvnias, increasing by several hryvnias compared to the previous week.

In the greens segment, dill showed the sharpest growth. Its price increased from 115–125 hryvnias to 145–155 hryvnias per kilogram. At the same time, the cost of parsley, lettuce, and arugula remained at the previous level.

Fruits and berries: peaches are getting cheaper, blueberries are getting more expensive

In the fruit and berry category, a mixed picture is observed. Peaches demonstrated the most significant price drop: the price fell from 100–170 hryvnias to 35–85 hryvnias per kilogram. At the same time, prices for apples, bananas, oranges, and lemons remained unchanged.

Berries, on the contrary, have started to become more expensive. Cherries have become more expensive up to 80–130 hryvnias per kg, strawberries — up to 120–160 hryvnias, and blueberries showed the highest growth, reaching 270–350 hryvnias per kilogram. Analysts note that interest is growing in berries purchased for freezing, as well as in watermelons and melons.

July forecasts: bread and dairy products

In addition to the fruit and vegetable group, the market's attention is focused on other basic products. In July, a possible price increase for bread of about 5% is expected. The main reasons cited by manufacturers are the growth of labor costs due to new requirements for worker protection. However, a sharp price spike is not forecast, as the cost of flour and grain harvest remain stable.

In the dairy industry, a sharp price increase in July is also not expected. According to industry representatives, prices for milk, kefir, butter, and hard cheeses will remain at the current level, and some products will continue to be sold at promotional prices.