Potato prices increased by 14% in a week, while milk prices dropped by 23%: what is happening in the market

Situation on the Potato Market

According to Главком: In the Ukrainian market, potato producers have raised prices due to high demand. Over the past week, potato prices have increased by an average of 14%. The selling prices for potatoes range from 8 to 15 UAH per kilogram. It is important to note that potatoes in Ukraine are being sold on average at 55% lower prices than during the same period last season.

Milk Industry Crisis

At the same time, Ukraine's milk industry is facing a crisis, causing concern among producers. Purchase prices for raw milk fell by 23% in 2025 and early 2026. In February, the average price for raw milk is about 13.5 UAH per kilogram excluding VAT. However, direct operational costs for milk production exceed 16 UAH per kilogram, jeopardizing the financial stability of producers.

Furthermore, there are forecasts that Ukraine's milk industry could lose up to 20% of industrial production by the end of 2026. Industrial farms with 1 to 1.2 thousand cows are losing more than 1 million UAH monthly. These factors indicate serious challenges faced by the dairy sector in Ukraine, while the potato market demonstrates rising prices amidst high demand.

The situation on the potato and milk markets illustrates the contrast between different agricultural sectors in Ukraine. The increase in potato prices may signal a recovery in demand after seasonal fluctuations, while the milk industry faces serious financial difficulties that could lead to a reduction in production. These trends may have long-term consequences for food security and economic stability in Ukraine's agricultural sector.