Fruit and Vegetable Prices Surge at Odesa’s New Market: Here’s What You’ll Pay Now.

Rising Food Costs at Odesa’s New Market

According to Novyny.live: With the arrival of spring, shoppers at the New Market in Odesa are facing higher prices, especially for vegetables, fruit, and meat. The start of the Lenten fasting period has boosted demand for produce, putting upward pressure on prices. While vendors try to keep basic items affordable, the increases are becoming hard to ignore.

According to sellers, vegetable prices at the New Market have jumped significantly, with cauliflower seeing a notable rise.

“Yesterday we were selling cauliflower for 180, but today the wholesale price came in at 200,” said vendor Halyna.

Vegetable and Fruit Price Breakdown

Current vegetable prices vary:

• Tomatoes — 200 UAH/kg and above
• Cucumbers — 120 to 170 UAH/kg
• Young cabbage — 120 UAH/kg
• Garlic (local) — 150 UAH/kg

Fruit prices have also climbed:

• Mandarin oranges — 100–120 UAH/kg
• Apples — 60–80 UAH/kg
• Blueberries — 1,100–1,400 UAH/kg
• Cherries — 1,800 UAH/kg

Meat prices are also worrying shoppers. Chicken fillet now costs 250 UAH/kg, while a whole chicken is 145 UAH/kg. Turkey ranges from 280 to 350 UAH/kg. Vendors point to rising energy costs as a key driver.

“First and foremost, electricity got more expensive. Producers immediately warned us that this would push prices up,” said vendor Anastasiia.

For smoked goods, sausages and hot dogs are priced at 350 UAH/kg, and smoked chicken at 300 UAH/kg. As for fruit, avocados cost 110–120 UAH/kg depending on size.

“Avocados went up a bit — 110 to 120 hryvnias, depending on the size. But the biggest jump is in blueberries; they’re already 1,500 hryvnias per kilo,” noted vendor Iryna.

Overall, the arrival of spring has brought a clear uptick in food prices at Odesa’s New Market. This is tied to higher demand for vegetables and fruit during Lent, along with other economic pressures. Although vendors are working to keep essential items within reach, the rising trend is unmistakable.

The increase in food costs in Odesa could have serious consequences for consumers, especially during Lent when demand for produce traditionally spikes. Rising energy prices, which raise overall production costs, add another layer of difficulty. Shoppers should brace for possible price fluctuations in the near future, while sellers will need to find ways to keep their goods affordable.