OREANDA-NEWS  The sharp increase in prices for fruit and vegetable products in Russia in 2024 was due to a number of factors. Anton Trenin, an analyst at the ACRA Corporate ratings group, spoke about the reasons for this dynamic. His words are quoted by RIA Novosti.

The expert explained that last year, the price increase for fruit and vegetable products in Russia more than doubled the country's inflation rate (9.52 percent according to Rosstat) and amounted to 22.09 percent.

Trenin attributed the increase in agricultural producers' costs and low yields to the main reasons for such dynamics against the background of adverse weather conditions and a decrease in the acreage of key agricultural crops. Thus, potato harvests in the Russian Federation decreased by about 15 percent compared to the record level recorded in 2023. A similar situation was observed for other vegetables, including cabbage, onions and carrots. Their harvest also decreased markedly in 2024.

Last year, potatoes became the most expensive food in Russia. Its retail value increased by an average of 92 percent in 12 months and reached 56.9 rubles per kilogram in December. The three most expensive products also included onions (plus 48.2 percent) and white cabbage (plus 44.7 percent). Buckwheat groats and chicken eggs were the cheapest during the reporting period. The cost of the first decreased by an average of 14.8 percent, and the second — by 11.16 percent.