Ukraine has recorded another increase in prices for imported tomatoes, although demand for this vegetable remains low. Sellers attribute the increase to high purchase costs in Turkey, which is currently the main supplier of tomatoes to the Ukrainian market.
Agricultural market analysts note that selling prices for imported tomatoes have increased by an average of 10% over the past week. Tomatoes are currently selling for 120–140 hryvnias per kilogram, which indicates stable price pressure even in the absence of active consumer demand.
An additional factor in the price increase remains limited supply. In early February, only imported tomatoes were on the Ukrainian market, as domestic greenhouse plants plan to release their products no earlier than mid-March. The lack of a Ukrainian alternative allows importers to maintain a high price level.
Compared to the same period last year, greenhouse tomatoes in Ukraine have already risen in price by an average of 38%. Experts do not rule out that prices will remain high until mass supplies of domestic products begin.
In large retail chains, the cost of tomatoes exceeds the average market price. In particular, at Varus, a kilogram of tomatoes is sold for 159.90 hryvnias. At ATB, prices are about 152.89 hryvnias per kilogram, and at Silpo, the cost starts at 169 hryvnias per kilogram. Thus, the popular vegetable is actually turning into one of the most expensive in the fruit and vegetable segment.
Representatives of the agricultural industry warn that the trend of rising prices may persist for a long time. According to their estimates, a significant decrease is possible only after the first harvest from open ground appears on the market. At the same time, experts draw attention to the fact that food inflation will also affect other basic products, in particular bread, the prices of which also have the potential for further growth.
