Fruit and veggie prices up; berries cost twice as much as in 2024
In the first half of this year, agricultural product prices rose by an average of over 28%. This increase was primarily driven by higher prices for fruits and vegetables. The data, presented by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), indicated that the highest price increases were recorded for berries, which doubled compared to 2024.
In the first half of this year, Moldovan agriculture experienced a significant increase in prices, according to the latest data published by the National Bank of Moldova. However, this increase was not uniform. Official data indicate that plant products rose in price by an average of 41%, while animal products saw a modest increase of only 3.9%. For some items, prices doubled compared to last year, putting significant pressure on farmers and the supply chain. The highest price increases were noted for berries, which were affected by spring frosts, as stated by Aneta Ganenco, president of the "Berry Fruits of Moldova" Association.
"All lands were affected, impacting all farmers who grew fruit in open ground. The frosts had a less significant effect on those growing in protected areas. There have long been discussions about how these unpredictable calamities will increasingly impact the agricultural sector, not just for berries but for the entire horticultural industry. The solution for berry producers is to transition to protected areas", said Ganenco.
She also emphasized that when setting prices, the appearance and taste of the berries sold play a crucial role. "The fewer berries available on the market, the higher the price tends to be. This is a basic market principle that we didn’t create; consumers understand this. This year, the cherry yield was low, leading to prices reaching one hundred lei in the market. Similarly, new plantations of raspberry varieties that are visually appealing, well-proportioned, and aromatic came into fruition this year. Consequently, the initial price started at 400 lei and dropped to 100-120 lei per kilogram by the middle of the season."
Additionally, price increases were also reported for sunflower seeds, cereals—especially rye, which increased by approximately 48%—as well as corn at 37% and wheat at 35.9%. Rapeseed and vegetables also experienced considerable price hikes. These trends can be attributed to the climatic conditions of the previous season, as well as fluctuations in the regional and international markets.
