This is stated in the message of the Ukrainian Horticultural Business Development Project UHBDP.
“If a few days ago resellers bought potatoes for 5 UAH, then on weekends no one took them at all. Manufacturers of Kherson and Zaporozhye regions complain about this situation, ”the message says.
As experts explain, the reason is the poor quality of the potatoes: due to climatic conditions, the ratio of water to dry matter in the tubers does not meet the standards. Potatoes spoil quickly, poor quality of potatoes affects its keeping quality. Buyers prefer to use old potatoes, although they are more expensive, they are of better quality.
“In addition, this season in Ukraine is characterized by overproduction of young potatoes, and unfavorable weather conditions caused a late start. As a result, vegetables from Azerbaijan and Russia took the place of the Ukrainian “second bread” on the Belarusian potato market. Both in terms of product quality and cost, Ukrainian young potatoes are now uncompetitive, ”the project adds.
It is also noted that Ukrainian manufacturers generally do not have the opportunity to be flexible in the market and quickly change sales markets, since they do not have official registration and cannot work by bank transfer.