Are apples becoming a luxury? Why prices are record high and what to expect from the new harvest
2 August 11:17
Despite the early season, apple prices in Ukraine are breaking records. The once most affordable fruit is now more expensive than bananas and oranges.
This was reported by RBC-Ukraine, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".
Apples at the price of “exotic”
As of early August, the average price of apples in Ukrainian stores is close to 100 UAH per kilogram. At the same time, bananas can be bought for 66 UAH/kg, and oranges cost 90 UAH/kg on average.
In supermarkets, prices for apples vary depending on the variety and country of origin, ranging from 64-156 UAH/kg.
For example, in the ATB chain, apples of the Sortovoe and Red Prince varieties cost 93.95 UAH each, and Golden apples cost 89.95 UAH/kg.
In Varus, apple prices start at 63.9 and reach 149.9 UAH/kg.
- Gala selected – 109.90 UAH/kg
- Golden Delicious – 149.90 UAH/kg
- the lowest price for Geneva is 63.9 UAH/kg under the promotional offer.
Screenshot of varus.ua
The Silpo chain offers customers apples of various varieties. There are both Ukrainian and imported, for example, from France.
- Early – 66.7 UAH/kg
- Red Chief – from 65 UAH/kg
- Red Delicious, Gala – 80-90 UAH/kg
- Fuji – up to 156.50 UAH/kg
Screenshot of silpo.ua
What affects prices and what is the apple harvest this year
Harvesting of early apple varieties in 2025 began at the same time as last year. However, the purchase prices for the new harvest were three times higher than last year’s – from 60 to 70 UAH/kg. Such data is provided by the specialized portal EastFruit.
In general, the high prices for apples in the summer of 2025 are explained by several factors. One of the reasons is the dominance of imported products on the market and a small amount of local apples at the beginning of the season.
In addition, this year’s apple harvest may be somewhat smaller due to unfavorable weather conditions and frosts in the spring. Maksym Hopka, an analyst at the Ukrainian Agribusiness Club, told RBC-Ukraine.
When the price of apples may decrease
The situation with apple prices may improve when Ukrainian farmers start to enter the market en masse with a new harvest. However, it is expected that due to the smaller harvest, the price of apples will not be low.
Losses in southern and western Ukraine could affect supply volumes, which could push up prices. In view of this, apples may be more expensive than last year, especially varietal and organic fruit. It is predicted that prices may remain high until October, when the new harvest will fill the market, the UCAB expert said.
