Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Ukrainian supermarkets to raise sales of imported apples in nearest days
An increase in apple prices in Ukraine this week has provoked a rise in Ukrainian supermarkets' demand for imported apples. Imported produce was in low demand before early December: retail chains purchased it just as an assortment category, and imported apples most often represented the premium-quality segment. Despite complaints about the quality of Ukrainian apples, supermarkets preferred them thanks to their relatively low prices.
The situation started changing in early December due to several reasons. The supply of domestic apples sharply went down due to a cold spell. Many farmers stopped selling at all as severe frosts could damage their apples during logistics operations.
At the same time, retail chains' demand for apples went up; therefore, wholesale buyers paid more attention to imported apples. Furthermore, Ukrainian wholesalers and supermarket chains' purchase prices rose, and importers immediately responded on that.
This week buyers have reported of an increase in the supply of Polish apples of 70+ size at UAH 6.50-7.00/kg (EUR 0.30-0.33/kg) in Ukraine. Ukrainian apples of the same quality are now offered in limited quantities, and farmers are ready to ship them at UAH 6.50-8.00/kg (EUR 0.30-0.38/kg).