Ukraine: Decline in demand, prices for Chinese cabbage
The demand for Chinese cabbage in Ukraine has declined, as well as the prices. Current prices rarely…The demand for Chinese cabbage in Ukraine has declined, as well as the prices. Current prices rarely exceed EUR 0.21-0.25 per kg against EUR 0.31-0.39 per kg in early November 2014.
Many farms are complaining about unsatisfactory demand, especially for small growers who do not collaborate with supermarket chains.
There are two factors which link to the decline in prices and demand. Firstly, many farms have planted Chinese cabbage for the first time in the current season as an experiment. As a result, the supply has grown year-on-year. Such a decision was based on rather high prices of Chinese cabbage in the previous season. However, many growers did not take into account that prices had started growing only in December in the previous season. The majority Chinese cabbage growers do not have proper storage facilities, therefore their sales period is most often limited to harvesting time in November.
Secondly, the quality of Chinese cabbage has worsened year-on-year. Savings on plant protection products and fertilizers have resulted in mass spread of diseases, therefore it is impossible to sell such produce at high prices.