EastFruit: In winter, Ukrainian greenhouse vegetables will be "golden" due to expensive energy
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In the winter of 2026, prices for greenhouse vegetables in Ukraine will rise due to high energy prices and power outages. About reported agricultural market expert and project coordinator of EastFruit Weekly Ukraine, Oleksandr Khorev.

According to him, between November and March, Ukrainian greenhouses operate minimally, with no more than 10% of local produce remaining on the market. The rest of the vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, herbs, and cabbage, are mostly imported.

"In the period from November to February-March, local production of greenhouse vegetables is virtually non-existent. Perhaps up to 10%, or even less, of these products are produced by Ukrainian companies, precisely because of expensive energy costs."khorev notes.

He added that all types of energy that can be used to heat greenhouses are becoming more expensive every year, "the hryvnia is devaluing and the production of these products is becoming golden."

The main supplier in winter is Turkey, where vegetables grow thanks to natural climatic conditions, without the need for greenhouse heating. This makes Turkish products much cheaper.

Ukrainian vegetables are present in supermarkets, but they are bought only by those who consciously support local producers and are willing to pay many times more. Even if Ukrainian products are on store shelves, their price will be much higher than imported ones.

According to Khorev, during peak periods, especially during the New Year holidays, wholesale prices for greenhouse vegetables can reach UAH 150-160 per kilogram, and some items can even exceed UAH 200.

At the same time, demand remains low, as most households are cutting back on spending on nonessentials.

"Prices will rise, but they will be constantly restrained by the price of imported products"khorev summarized.

  • On July 21, it was reported that extreme weather events caused by climate change are becoming the main cause of short-term spikes in food prices all over the world.