Lack of EU cauliflower supply benefits Ukrainian growers
“Cauliflower is in high demand in the EU market and Ukrainian producers are currently fetching UAH 10-11/kg (EUR 0.36-0.40/kg). However, exporters are finding it difficult to reach the necessary volumes. Ukrainian cauliflower is becoming very attractive for the Polish market in particular, where supply is limited. Current fixed wholesale prices for cauliflowers in Poland vary between 0.95-1.10/kg, while prices in Ukraine take just a third of those levels.” said Zoryana Pastuschuk, International Relations Manager at Shuvar Wholesale Market.
Broccoli and white cabbage is also being affected by the same conditions in Poland. Of course, there is less consumption during the summer season, so as of now it is not too much of a problem, but Jan Nowakowski, owner of Genesis Fresh in Poland, said that he thinks that they could still be facing the same issues when demand picks up in the fall.
Cauliflower production in the Ukraine is around 2,000-2,500 ha, while white cabbage is grown on areas, which are almost 30 times as large.
However, export to the EU does not come without its challenges. Cauliflower producers in the Ukraine are smaller scale operations of around 1-2 ha which means, on average, that they are able to supply around 3-5 tons of cauliflower. It takes several days to make an export consignment and the minimum volume of an export shipment has to amount to 10-15 tons of high-quality cauliflower, which must be graded and packed according to European buyers’ requirements.
Quality has also been an issue in the Ukraine. Hot weather conditions in the southern and central regions have resulted in a limited cauliflower supply, however, those able to supply high quality produce are receiving 40% higher prices year on year.