Prices for greenhouse cucumbers and tomatoes in Ukraine continue to rise, according to market analysts.
Cucumber prices have been climbing for five consecutive weeks. Market participants attribute the latest increase to a shortage of locally grown cucumbers, as supplies from domestic greenhouse farms remain extremely limited. At the same time, demand for this category remains strong.
Last week, growers were once again able to raise their selling prices. Greenhouse cucumbers were shipped at 75–90 UAH/kg ($1.80–2.16/kg), on average 15% higher than the previous week.
Meanwhile, most importers are preparing to launch large-scale purchases of greenhouse vegetables from Turkey, citing a sharp drop in domestic supply. Ukraine traditionally begins importing cucumbers in the second half of October, when local production declines rapidly. The peak import season typically occurs between December and February.
Currently, Ukrainian greenhouse cucumbers are priced about 15% higher than during the same period last year. Market operators do not rule out further price increases if current sales volumes remain stable.
At the same time, tomato prices are also on the rise. Analysts link this trend to a noticeable seasonal reduction in supply, while demand for greenhouse vegetables remains robust.
Tomatoes are now being sold at 70–80 UAH/kg ($1.68–1.92/kg), roughly 37% more expensive than at the end of the previous working week.
Market participants note that deliveries of new tomato batches from local greenhouse farms are currently limited and inconsistent. In most stationary greenhouses, cooler weather has significantly slowed ripening, while production in temporary structures has stopped altogether.
At this stage, retailers are unable to fully offset the shortage of local greenhouse vegetables with imports. As a result, Ukrainian growers are now selling tomatoes at prices 16% higher than in the second half of October 2024. However, major market players report that the recent price hikes for local produce have already started to stimulate import growth from external suppliers.
Source: agroportal.ua
