Potato prices have fallen, but quality is under threat – Rybalko
5 December 16:11
Ukraine has had a good potato harvest this year, which has led to a sharp drop in wholesale prices. At the same time, the quality of products may deteriorate significantly after the New Year due to a critical lack of modern storage facilities. This was stated in an interview with the YouTube channel [Kommersant] youTube channel, Serhiy Rybalko, a member of the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Association of Potato Producers, said.
“First of all, this year’s potato harvest is definitely bigger than last year, and that’s why we see a lower price on store shelves. A much lower price. As for wholesale prices, they are currently around UAH 8 per kilogram,” he said.
However, due to the lack of potato storage facilities, the quality of potatoes may deteriorate after the New Year, Rybalko warns.
“There is a lack of potato storage facilities. The electricity is turned off, farms use diesel generators. And the premises where potatoes are stored need to be cooled. And there is no electricity for 14 hours a day. Can you imagine how difficult it is to keep potatoes of high quality in such conditions?” he adds.
At the same time, Rybalko emphasizes that there will be no shortage of potatoes in Ukraine. The market is compensated by imports, primarily from Poland.
As for potato prices, there may be an increase, but it will be insignificant, Rybalko said.
