The rise in price of cucumbers was noticed by residents of many regions of Russia. The Astrakhan region was also no exception. Long cucumbers with a smooth crust in the markets of Astrakhan are now sold at a price of about 300 rubles per kilogram, whereas recently they cost 240-250 rubles. Pimpled cucumbers of medium length and even sell for 350 rubles per kilogram. In retail chains, prices are somewhat lower: you can find a kilogram for 200-240 rubles, but the taste of such cucumbers, as a rule, is “no”.
What are the reasons for the increase in prices for cucumbers? As explained to “Watermelon” in one of the major retail chains, there are several reasons for this. Firstly, cucumbers, like tomatoes, always become more expensive in winter, as the costs of maintaining the desired temperature and light conditions in greenhouses increase.
Secondly, in 2022, due to economic and geopolitical shocks, the costs of vegetable producers increased. After all, modern greenhouses (and we are talking about greenhouse vegetables right now) are high—tech equipment. As a rule, it is foreign. The cost of purchasing components and maintenance has increased. Thirdly, logistics and seeds have become more expensive (they are also often, alas, foreign).
In addition, two years ago, Russian agricultural holdings reported that cucumber was generally one of the most unprofitable vegetables — it was given to retail chains sometimes below cost. Because of this, companies began to reduce the area for cucumbers, which is why the volumes gradually decreased. In 2022, this delayed effect coincided with a decrease in the volume of imported cucumbers to Russia, which also affected prices.
But there is also good news. By spring, vegetables are traditionally cheaper. They will also become cheaper this time. Also, let’s not forget that one of the largest greenhouse complexes in the south of Russia, Cedar, has started operating in the Astrakhan region. The company has already started shipping the first cucumbers and tomatoes both to the local market and to other regions of Russia.
At the market in Zhilgorodok, the correspondent of “Watermelon” saw Astrakhan hothouse cucumbers at a price of 300 rubles per kilogram, while Iranian cucumbers cost 250 rubles there.
A source: https://arbuztoday.ru
