Which foods became more affordable in July, and which ones are still expensive?
In July, prices for fresh vegetables in Ukraine fell significantly, particularly for potatoes, carrots, beets, cabbage, and cucumbers. At the same time, some fruits, berries, and greenhouse vegetables remain expensive due to the heat, storage costs, and seasonal factors.
July has traditionally been the month when Ukrainian-grown vegetables become more abundant in the markets. That is why many products have become significantly cheaper. This is most noticeable with the vegetables that Ukrainians buy every day for borscht, salads, and home-preserved foods.
However, not all products have seen a price drop. Due to the heat, lower yields of certain crops, and additional storage costs, some berries, fruits, and vegetables remain expensive.
Borscht ingredients have become more affordable
New-crop vegetables saw the biggest price drops over the past month. The price of new potatoes has fallen significantly. While they were much more expensive back in June, they can now be found in stores for between 14.79 and 22 UAH per kilogram. The average price in July was about 16.80 UAH, which is nearly 17 UAH cheaper than a month ago.
Pink potatoes have also become cheaper. The average price has dropped by about 6 hryvnias and now stands at 22.70 hryvnias per kilogram. Carrot prices have also dropped significantly. While they were among the most expensive items at the start of summer, the average price is now 31.70 UAH per kilogram—more than 18 hryvnias less than in June.
Young beets have also become significantly more affordable. In stores, they are sold for approximately 12.5–14 hryvnias per kilogram, and the average market price is about 13.16 hryvnias. Over the past month, the price of this vegetable has dropped by more than 13 hryvnias. Cabbage has also dropped in price due to the massive harvest. At the wholesale market, it sells for about 18–25 UAH per kilogram.
Cucumbers are getting cheaper, while tomato prices remain unstable
With the start of the open-field season, cucumbers have also become cheaper. Open-field cucumbers are currently selling for about 15–30 hryvnias per kilogram. On average, they dropped in price by nearly 10 hryvnias in July. However, prices vary by variety. For example, smooth-skinned cucumbers remain the most expensive—about 69 UAH per kilogram. Moreover, their price actually increased by about 6 hryvnias over the past month.
Short-fruited cucumbers cost an average of 29.80 UAH, while prickly cucumbers cost about 34.50 UAH per kilogram. The situation is different for tomatoes. Due to the hot weather and the transition from greenhouse to open-field crops, their prices remain unstable for now. Depending on the variety and quality, a kilogram of tomatoes can cost anywhere from 40 to 75 hryvnias. Garlic, cauliflower, sweet corn, and some fresh herbs also became cheaper in July.
Onions are also gradually becoming cheaper
There is already plenty of Ukrainian onions from the new harvest on the market, so wholesale prices have dropped to 16–20 hryvnias per kilogram. In stores, they are still more expensive—about 31–37 hryvnias per kilogram. Blue onions, however, remain significantly more expensive. Shoppers pay 75–82 UAH per kilogram for them, and the average price in July was 77.52 UAH.
What’s Happening with Berries and Fruits
July has been a busy season for Ukrainian berries. Blueberries are currently the most affordable. Thanks to a bountiful harvest, they can be bought for about 120–160 UAH per kilogram. Raspberries are more expensive—around 200–220 UAH per kilogram.
The price of blueberries also remains high—ranging from 200 to 280 UAH per kilogram. Apricots and peaches are not getting any cheaper either. Spring weather conditions affected the harvest, so some of the fruit has to be imported from abroad. As a result, Ukrainian apricots are selling for about 50–90 UAH per kilogram, and peaches for 40–90 UAH.
Watermelons Are Already Getting Cheaper
By the end of July, more Ukrainian watermelons appeared on the market, so prices began to drop rapidly. Currently, a kilogram of watermelon costs about 13–15 hryvnias, although just a week ago the price was still at 20–30 hryvnias.
Melons remain more expensive for now—30–50 UAH per kilogram. The first Ukrainian apples and pears from the new harvest have also appeared on store shelves. Apples are selling for about 20–50 hryvnias per kilogram, and pears for 40–65 hryvnias.
Why Some Foods Are Still Expensive
Experts explain that the seasonal price drop does not apply to all fruits and vegetables. Several factors are influencing prices. First and foremost is the intense heat, which is reducing yields of tomatoes, peppers, and melons.
Producers are also spending more on cooling their produce during storage. Added to this are costs for electricity, fuel, logistics, and a shortage of workers to harvest the crops. All of this prevents certain categories of produce from becoming cheaper as quickly as open-field vegetables.
What to Expect in August
Analysts predict that prices for most vegetables will continue to fall in the coming weeks. The best time to buy produce for canning will likely be in late August through early September.
Once the peak harvest season ends, the situation will gradually change. Once vegetables begin to be stored in warehouses and storage costs rise, prices may go up again. That is why experts advise those planning to stock up for the winter to keep an eye on the market over the next month.
