Prices for borsch set soared in Ukraine: why vegetables are getting more expensive

In supermarkets and markets since the beginning of 2021, vegetables of the “borscht set” have risen 2.6 times.

EastFruit analysts explain this by the unstable situation in the agricultural market.

Compared to December 2020, wholesale prices for vegetables have increased significantly:

• for carrots – 2 times;
• onion – 2.5 times;
• for white cabbage and beetroot – 3 times.

But one product has fallen in price in a year – it is potatoes. Wholesale prices are one third lower than a year ago.

“The area for potatoes, which has been expensive for several years in a row, has been expanded by farmers in the past 2 years. Therefore, prices for potatoes turned out to be lower than last year,” experts emphasize.

Why are vegetables becoming more expensive?

Experts attribute the rise in price to a reduction in acreage due to unfavorable weather conditions and a decrease in profitability from growing these crops against the backdrop of a jump in prices for grains and oilseeds.

At the same time, as economist Andrei Yarmak explained, there are much more risks in growing onions, beets, carrots or cabbage than crops.

So far, the opening of the land market has played a negative role for vegetable growing.

“Now the majority of farmers, in order to stay in business, are literally forced to buy up land, investing free resources in it. The very ones that could be invested in vegetable production,” – explained the economist.

What else will rise in price?

By the New Year, the price for the New Year’s table of Ukrainians will rise by 20%. The expert predicts a rise in prices for tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers. Vegetables of the “borscht set” will cost more.

“Although beets, carrots, onions, cabbage will not rise so much by the end of the year – by 10%. But onions may rise in price at a record. Compared to last year, by 2.5 times. In addition, the price of meat will rise. Pork – by 20%, and chicken – by 10% “, – predicts the head of the Union of Ukrainian Peasantry Ivan Tomich.

We previously reported that food prices will rise even more in the country in 2022. Ukrainians will have to pay 22-25% more for food.

Let us remind you that in Ukraine the price of tomatoes fell to a 5-year low. At the end of November, tomatoes cost 15-20 UAH / kg, although in previous years the price tag rose to 23-29 UAH / kg.