March 20 2007, 16:52

Ukrainian carrot and table beet are unrivaled on Georgian market

According to information provided by Malkhaz Bregadze, the Coordinator of the Market Information System of AgVANTAGE project, implemented by ACDI/VOCA in Georgia under USAID support, the cooperation on the information exchange with "Agrooglyad: Vegetables and Fruits" journal has contributed much to the extension of the mutual trade of the fresh produce between two countries.

The upturn of the Georgian fresh herbs and tangerine supplies to Ukrainian market was followed by the start of the bulk supplies of the traditional Ukrainian vegetables to the Georgian market. For the first time of the country's history Ukrainian suppliers have been able to export the wholesale shipments of carrot and table beet to Georgia. Thanks to the success achieved by the first shipments, the export of root crops to Georgian market continues building up.

Mr. Bregadze informs that Ukrainian table beet costs around $0.32/kg on the wholesale market of Georgia; the transportation expenses and custom fees are included. At the same time, table beet of Georgian origin is offered for sale for $0.47/kg. The expenses to deliver Ukrainian carrot to the wholesale market of Georgia are equal to around $0.3/kg; meanwhile Georgian carrot costs $0.42/kg, Turkish carrot costs $0.4/kg on the wholesale market. Despite of the lower price, Ukrainian produce is distinguished by a high quality factor; it is sold well on the wholesale market.

At the same time, the expert says that the growing prices for onion on the inner market of Ukraine made this product non-competitive if compared to Turkish onion, which costs around $0.38/kg in Georgia at the present moment. It is also worth mentioning that there is an opportunity to supply marketable potato from Ukraine. However, the traders will have a relatively low margin if such supplies are undertaken. The pricing for potato starts on the level of $ 0.4/kg on Georgian market.