REUTERS
To date, apple prices in Ukraine's wholesale markets are UAH 7-UAH 8 (US$0.26-$0.30) per kilogram on the average.
Experts at Kyiv-based Pro-Consulting LLC say prices of apples in Ukraine in May 2019 rose by 13.9% due to a decrease in supplies of autumn varieties, as well as more active trade in that segment.
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"Given the record high harvest in 2018, the price of apples should have dropped by at least 30%. But on the contrary, apples have risen in price," the experts said on June 11, referring to data of the State Statistics Service.
To date, apple prices in Ukraine's wholesale markets are UAH 7-UAH 8 (US$0.26-$0.30) per kilogram on the average. A week earlier, their average price did not exceed UAH 6 ($0.2).
According to experts, the price hike is due to several factors. First, a reduction in supplies of autumn varieties, which are traditionally not in high demand. In addition, trading activity in that segment has increased significantly, which also affects the prices.
Moreover, the high yield of apples in 2018 has also affected apple imports into Ukraine (the indicator dropped by almost 100%), the experts said.
As UNIAN reported earlier, the apple harvest in Ukraine in 2018 grew by 35% to a record high 1.5 million tonnes.
As of February 2019, the country's apple stocks stood at 280,000 tonnes thanks to the record harvest, as well as low sales of the produce in the domestic market.