Berry Prices Surge in Odesa: Why Sweet Cherries Now Cost Up to 200 Hryvnias.

Seasonal Fruit and Berry Demand Heats Up in Odesa

According to Novyny.live: In June 2023, the 'Cheremushky' market in Odesa is seeing a sharp rise in demand for seasonal berries and fruits, especially sweet cherries, sour cherries, and strawberries. This uptick is largely driven by residents returning to the city for the summer, which has revitalized local trade. Many shoppers are seeking out fresh, high-quality produce after months of reduced consumption.

Larysa, a vendor at the market, commented:

“There’s strong demand for sweet cherries because the truly high-quality fruit has just started arriving. People also love sour cherries. Lately, we’ve seen more customers—many have come back to Odesa for the summer, so business has picked up.”

Pricing for Seasonal Fruits

Among the in-demand seasonal fruits, sweet cherries are leading the way. Their prices have climbed to between 170 and 200 hryvnias per kilogram, while white sweet cherries are fetching up to 220 hryvnias per kilogram. Sour cherries are available at 150 hryvnias per kilogram, and strawberries cost 120 to 150 hryvnias per kilogram. Other fruits are also priced as follows:

• Gooseberries – 150 hryvnias per kg
• Apricots – 180 hryvnias per kg
• Lemons – 200 hryvnias per kg
• Bananas – 100 hryvnias per kg

The price hikes at the 'Cheremushky' market are tied to shifts in supply and fruit varieties. As Larysa explained:

“Prices are going up because the early small varieties are finishing, and the market is now getting firmer, higher-quality fruit.”

The growing demand for seasonal berries and fruits in Odesa may signal a recovery in the local economy after a period of subdued consumption due to the pandemic and other external factors. The uptick in trade at the 'Cheremushky' market also reflects consumers’ increasing interest in fresh, quality products, which could shape pricing trends at Ukrainian markets throughout the summer of 2023.