A significant decrease in the price of young potatoes has been recorded in the Ukrainian food market. According to official data from the Ministry of Finance, the average price for this product has dropped to 48.67 hryvnias per kilogram. This is a substantial change compared to last month's figures, when the cost was 64.94 hryvnias — a price drop of almost 25%.
The gap between statistics and store shelves
Despite the optimistic figures in official statistics, the situation at points of sale looks different. Shoppers in retail chains and markets are encountering prices that significantly exceed the average. In small shops and trading venues, the cost of a kilogram of young potatoes ranges from 68 to 100 hryvnias.
This gap is explained by the structure of supply in the market. Currently, the main suppliers of early potatoes remain foreign countries: Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and other Central Asian states. Products from Israel and Europe are also available for sale.
Import versus domestic product
Market experts note a clear segmentation. As analyst of UKAB Maksym Hopka reported, the more affordable mass market is formed by imported products. At the same time, the more expensive segment is represented by early Ukrainian potatoes and certain premium imported items.
The situation in the market is expected to change as early as June. It is anticipated that with the start of the active arrival of domestic products from open ground, supply will increase, which may influence pricing towards stabilization.
General trend of price reduction
The decrease in potato prices fits into a broader trend of seasonal vegetables and fruits becoming cheaper in the country. Recently, a drop in prices for young cabbage was recorded, which is now sold for 34–40 hryvnias per kilogram. There is also a price correction for local strawberries: the wholesale cost of the berry has dropped to 170–230 hryvnias per kg, while the retail price ranges from 234 to 280 hryvnias.