Fruits’ and vegetables’ prices remain high

The most significant fluctuations in food prices are currently being observed in fresh fruits and vegetables, with prices for some of these items continuing to rise. This was stated by Ilia Gatev of the Parvenets Wholesale Market. According to him, meat, milk, bread, and staple foods have remained relatively stable since the Easter holidays.

Trading at the country’s largest fruit and vegetable market remains active, but the cold spring is slowing the decline in prices for domestic produce. Strawberries are currently in season and are selling for between 2 and 3 euros per kilogram, with prices slightly lower than last month.

There has been no significant change in prices for other fruits and vegetables, as lower temperatures are limiting supply from Bulgarian greenhouses. This is keeping prices higher than expected for the season.

Significant price increases have been reported for tomatoes, cucumbers and radishes, which are roughly twice as expensive as last year. Currently, tomatoes and cucumbers are trading wholesale at around 3 euros per kilogram, while radishes reach up to 1.50 euros each. The main reasons are higher production costs and expensive transportation for imported goods.

For potatoes, carrots and zucchini prices remain close to last year’s levels. Old potatoes are selling for around €0.50 per kilogram, while new potatoes are priced between €3 and €3.50. The supply is primarily Bulgarian, but there are also imports from countries such as Egypt and France.

Apple prices have risen due to their off-season nature, while bananas have gone up by about 20%.

Expectations are that with the arrival of warmer weather and an increase in domestic production, there will be some price reduction. “We’re more likely to see a slight downward adjustment than a significant drop in prices,” Gatev noted, emphasizing that high fuel and production costs will continue to put pressure on the market.