Ukraine faces potential high-quality potato shortage

Ukraine is anticipating a shortage of high-quality potatoes during the winter months due to limited supply and import difficulties. According to reports from EastFruit, European potato production has decreased by approximately 30%, marking one of the weakest harvests in three decades.

Ukrainian importers face challenges securing supplies from Egypt, as European traders have already booked significant quantities of Egyptian produce. Additionally, high prices in European markets, combined with driver shortages, logistical issues, and rising fuel costs, are making imports less economically viable.

Market experts predict rising prices, with high-quality potatoes potentially reaching 15-20 UAH/kg by February. Currently, better quality varieties are trading between 8-9 UAH/kg, while non-standard or misshapen tubers are priced lower at 3-6 UAH/kg. The sector also faces biological challenges, including the spread of dry rot and a high proportion of small-sized tubers in the harvest.