Sharp Decline in Blueberry Prices in Ukraine: What Lies Behind This Trend?
In Ukraine, there has been a significant and rapid drop in prices for one of the most popular and sought-after berries — blueberries. According to the analytical company EastFruit, the prices for these berries have plummeted over recent weeks, especially in the segment of lower and medium quality berries. Meanwhile, premium-quality blueberries, known for their high standards and origin, have maintained price levels close to those of the previous year. These observations are confirmed by experts analyzing domestic market prices and the factors influencing pricing policies. As of July 1, the average wholesale prices for blueberries across various regions in Ukraine ranged as follows: in Lviv at the 'Shuvar' market, the price was between 300-450 hryvnias per kilogram (approximately 6.12-9.18 euros); in Kyiv at the 'Stolychniy' market, 300-350 hryvnias (6.12-7.14 euros); and in the Odesa region, about 400-450 hryvnias (8.16-9.18 euros). This demonstrates a substantial decrease compared to late June, with reductions of 20-25%, in some regions even up to a third. Specifically, in Kyiv, prices fell from 450-500 UAH/kg to 300-350 UAH/kg, representing a decline of roughly 28-30%. In Lviv, the minimum price dropped from 380-450 UAH/kg to 300-450 UAH/kg, while the maximum remained stable at 450 UAH/kg. In Odesa, maximum prices stayed steady at 450 UAH/kg, but the minimum decreased from 480 UAH/kg to 400 UAH/kg, a reduction of about 17%. Experts highlight that over three to four days, the average rate of price decline ranged from 15% to 30%, depending on the region and berry quality. Analysts warn that prices are likely to continue falling, aligning more closely with EU market standards, as Ukraine actively exports fresh blueberries to the European Union. This strategy is essential for maintaining competitiveness in international markets amid changing logistics and increased global competition.