The first cucumbers from Ukrainian greenhouse complexes hit the market from late February to mid-March. Prices for consumers are high, but for growers, they remain stable, signaling a promising outlook for the future, says Yevgeny Chernyshenko
owner of "Teplychniy" Combine, president of "Teplytsi Ukrainy" association.
The first turnover of cucumbers will continue until June, contingent on import volumes and prices. Following a brief hiatus, the second turnover will commence. Typically, in June, prices may dip below production costs, leading to a sell-off. New areas are then sown around August, with fresh cucumbers appearing until November.
Imported tomatoes and cucumbers remain relatively expensive due to logistical challenges arising from war disruptions in sea freight. Transporting by road has inflated costs, elongated delivery times, and decreased volumes. Import levels from late 2023 to early 2024 were lower compared to previous years. However, prices are expected to sharply decline from late April as major players like "Teplichny" and "Umansky" enter the market, offering approximately 3000 tons over the period, mirroring pre-war production levels.
Technological advancements aim to exceed pre-war standards in both cultivation and yield. Barring unforeseen obstacles in technology, energy consumption, or fuel prices, greenhouse complexes are poised to end the year profitably, a stark contrast to the challenges of the previous year.
Source: agrotimes.ua