A new increase in the prices of Bulgarian greenhouse vegetables has been registered by commodity exchanges and markets in the country. Official data indicate that the price of cucumbers has risen by nearly 7%, while greenhouse tomatoes have increased by 5%. In addition to inflationary processes and higher energy prices, other factors contribute to the price increase.
One significant factor is the higher wages that producers are paying for labor this year. Another factor is the shortage of Bulgarian greenhouse production in the markets, as production has drastically decreased this year. According to market analysts, imports will again dictate prices. Our team's investigation revealed where in the supply chain the price of cucumbers, for example, becomes distorted and why they are traded for 2 to 6 leva per kilogram.
The first cucumbers from one of the greenhouses in the May Day village of Byala Reka will be available on the market in 10 days. Atanaska Byalkova, who grows 5 acres, explains that production is 30 percent more expensive this year.
"We heat with pellets. For example, if last year we bought them for 250 leva, this year they are about 320 leva. The salary is rising every year. We are paying more and more because there is no labor force," explained Atanaska, as quoted by Nova TV.
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