Ukraine's apple market is facing a unique scenario this year, with prices reaching record highs while farmers grappled with significant harvest difficulties. Mikhail Telechetsky, an orchard owner in Chernivtsi, reports that despite a relatively good yield, labour shortages pose a major challenge.
This year's apple size is smaller than usual due to heat and hail damage. Prices for apples intended for processing have surged to EUR 0.27 per kilogram, marking a record for this category. Predicting further prices is complex, particularly since the harvest in Vinnytsia, a key apple-producing region, has dropped by 50% due to adverse weather conditions.
Market expert Volodymyr Hurzhiy emphasizes a disconnect between producers' high expectations and consumers' actual purchasing power, yet demand for apples remains steady. The attractive purchasing prices from canning factories are motivating producers to sell their apples for processing instead of export, redirecting some of the harvests away from supermarket shelves.
Hurzhiy also forecasts a weak export season, citing a lack of quality apples due to significant weather stress on the trees, which has led to reduced export volumes and a growing need for imports in the spring.
Source: agroportal.ua