The high prices of early fruit and vegetables at markets are a result of low yield due to unfavorable weather conditions, and producers are testing the market with their pricing, according to Veljko Jovanović, advisor to the President of the Serbian Chamber of Commerce.
Across Serbia, prices of early fruit have surprised consumers — cherries are selling for up to 1,400 dinars per kilogram, strawberries were 1,200 dinars at the start of the season, while apricots and young potatoes reached 1,000 dinars per kilogram.
“Producers are testing the market. Whatever sells at a certain price will stay at that price as long as there are buyers willing to pay it,” Jovanović told Tanjug.
He explained that the main reasons for the price hikes are poor growing conditions and climate change. “Weather impacts from previous years have reduced yields and driven prices up. It’s hard to control prices when the supply is weak and the demand is strong.”
Jovanović said this trend might continue in the future due to ongoing climate impacts. “This isn’t a localized phenomenon; it’s a global trend. Whether prices will be higher or lower from season to season is hard to predict.”
He added that prices may stabilize once the main harvest arrives and if there are enough growing areas and a good yield. “If we have sufficient production and healthy plantations, prices will reflect that.”
Jovanović also stated that spring frosts have affected this year’s apple crop, yielding only about 30% in many areas of Serbia, although the final harvest will become clear only after seeing the effects of summer temperatures and potential drought.
