Despite the usual seasonal decline in fruit and vegetable prices as the summer harvest enters the market, products will still remain significantly more expensive than during the same period last year, according to Vakhtang Bezhitashvili, Chairman of the Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association.
Bezhitashvili told BMG that the transition from spring to summer naturally affects prices. As open-field crops begin to appear and supply increases, prices typically stabilize and decrease. However, this year’s reductions will not be enough to bring prices back to 2025 levels.
“Prices have already started to fall with the arrival of the summer season. But this does not mean they will return to last year’s levels: this year, products will be considerably more expensive than during the same period last year,” Bezhitashvili said.
According to him, the biggest price increases were seen on essential vegetables such as cucumbers and tomatoes.
“Various factors contribute to the rise in prices - including higher fuel costs, increased irrigation water fees, electricity, and other energy carriers. These higher energy costs will inevitably be reflected in final prices. A farmer who pays more for every component cannot possibly sell products cheaply,” Bezhitashvili explained.
