Its a mixed season for Ukrainian greenhouse growers. While cucumber growers are seeing exports double, domestic tomato growers are being faced with strong competition from cheaper Turkish imports.

"Since the beginning of this year, official statistics recorded a significant increase of tomato imports from Turkey. In January 2017, Ukraine imported about 2,700 tons of tomatoes, which is around 1.5 times more than the same month last year. Almost 95% of these total imports have been from Turkey." according to Tetiana Getman, head manager of Information analysis centre Info-Shuvar.

"This increase of tomato imports into the Ukraine, seem to be a direct result of the Russian embargo against Turkey. Before the embargo, Russia imported 65-70% of the Turkish annual export, which was between 490-550 tons. Turkey was forced to redirect about 250,000 tons of tomatoes to other countries in 2016. This caused Turkish imports to the EU to triple and shipments to the Ukraine to more than double in 2016."

Turkish tomatoes are currently being sold in Ukraine at €0.90-0.97/kg, compared to domestic red tomatoes which are being sold for €1.31-1.55 /kg. Pink tomatoes are currently selling for between €2.07-2.42/ kg and tomatoes on the vine for €1.55-1.73 /kg. The Turkish imports are being sold for 20% less than at the beginning of last years season.

Cucumber growers have more success
Ukrainian cucumber growers are having more success due to stable market prices, whilst Polish cucumbers are seeing their prices drop, due to low market demand. This has caused prices in both markets to be approximately the same price, which has made the Ukrainian cucumber more competitive.

According to the Info-Shuvar, as of mid-March 2017, smooth cucumbers are selling in Poland for €1.60-1.80/kg, compared to €1.50-1.60/ kg in the Ukraine. Pickle cucumbers are being sold for a higher price, at €1.70-1.90 / kg. Cucumber prices in the Ukraine are still 30% higher than last year due to the cold and cloudy weather which has caused later ripening.