Demand for niche vegetable crops is rising rapidly in Ukraine, with sweet potatoes and asparagus showing the strongest growth, according to a market overview published in the Ukrainian horticulture magazine, as noted by Ksenia Husieva, fruit and vegetable market analyst at APK-Inform.
Husieva notes that sweet potatoes, once found only in premium supermarkets such as Le Silpo or Delmar, are now available in mainstream retail chains, including Varus, with prices becoming more affordable.
Production of leafy greens is also increasing. Store shelves now feature a wide range of salad mixes, ready-packed salads, green onions, parsley, and dill. "I wouldn't say prices are high," Husieva explained, "but the assortment is much broader than a few years ago. Growing conditions for greens are favourable now, so production is gradually expanding."
Despite higher visibility, greens and sweet potatoes remain niche crops grown mainly under pre-agreed contracts with supermarkets or restaurants. "These are not mass-market vegetables; you need to know exactly who will buy them before planting," Husieva emphasized.
Source: agrotimes.ua
