Where to Find the Best Produce Deals: Supermarkets Beat Markets on New Potatoes, But Not on Cucumbers and Greens

Price Analysis of Seasonal Vegetables and Greens in Ukraine

According to ХВИЛЯ: A study of prices for seasonal vegetables and greens in Ukraine reveals that new potatoes are cheaper in chain supermarkets, while cucumbers, radishes, and fresh herbs are more affordable at local markets. The research, conducted by the publication 'Khvylia', shows that supermarkets like Metro, Novus, Auchan, and Megamarket offer lower prices for new potatoes compared to market vendors. For shoppers in Ukraine, navigating these price differences can lead to significant savings on a weekly grocery bill.

The average price for new potatoes in supermarkets is UAH 38.42 per kilogram. At Auchan, they cost UAH 24.40 per kg, at Novus UAH 39.89, and at Metro UAH 50.96 per kg. In contrast, at the 'Stolychnyi' market, prices for new potatoes range from UAH 45.00 to UAH 120.00 per kg, with an average of UAH 80.00. At the 'Pochatok' market in Odesa, domestic new potatoes start at UAH 100.00 per kg, while imported ones cost between UAH 110.00 and UAH 120.00.

Cucumber and Herb Prices

For cucumbers, the average price for smooth varieties in supermarkets is UAH 178.59 per kg. At Metro and Auchan, prices hover around UAH 165-170 per kg, while at Megamarket, smooth cucumbers cost UAH 200.50 per kg. Spiny cucumbers at Megamarket are priced at UAH 224.50 per kg, and 'Estafeta' variety cucumbers cost UAH 289.50. However, at the 'Stolychnyi' market, Rivne cucumbers average UAH 100.00 per kg, with smooth cucumbers there costing about UAH 110.00. Spiny cucumbers at 'Stolychnyi' reach UAH 130.00 per kg, and at Odesa's 'Pochatok' market, they can be as high as UAH 280.00. Homegrown cucumbers at 'Pochatok' are a bargain at UAH 60.00 per kg.

Regarding herbs, green onions in supermarkets are sold in 100-gram bundles. At Metro, a 100g bundle costs UAH 69.00. At the 'Stolychnyi' market, green onions sold by weight are UAH 120.00 per kg, and at 'Pochatok' in Odesa, they are UAH 180.00 per kg.

Radishes also show a price disparity. The average price at the 'Stolychnyi' market is UAH 70.00 per kg, fluctuating between UAH 68.00 and UAH 75.00. At 'Pochatok' in Odesa, retail prices range from UAH 80 to UAH 85 per kg, with a wholesale price of UAH 60 per kg. Bunched radishes at 'Pochatok' cost UAH 40 each.

Therefore, consumers can save money by choosing markets for cucumbers, radishes, and herbs, while new potatoes are a better buy in supermarkets.

This analysis of vegetable and herb prices in Ukraine points to significant cost variations depending on the place of purchase. Consumers should consider these differences to plan their food expenses as efficiently as possible.