Another rise in food prices in Ukraine: buckwheat becomes more expensive

The cost of buckwheat, last year’s record-setter, might see an uptick, though it’s not a guarantee. As of November 27, the average per kilogram price of packaged buckwheat stood at 27.97 hryvnias, a decrease of 7.15 hryvnias compared to October’s average.

In popular retail chains, buckwheat prices range from 27.3 to 31.9 hryvnias/kg, with variations. Interestingly, bulk purchases of buckwheat appear significantly pricier than packaged options. Despite expectations, in 2023 Ukraine harvested a notably larger buckwheat crop compared to last year, far exceeding domestic consumption needs. This bumper harvest results from improved yields and expanded acreage dedicated to buckwheat this year.

By early October, Ukraine had harvested 172.8 thousand tons of buckwheat. Contrastingly, the total yield for the previous season reached 148 thousand tons, with annual consumption in 2022 amounting to only 110 thousand tons. Last year, the high cost led Ukrainians to consume less buckwheat than in previous years, making it unaffordable for many households.

“This year, thanks to favorable weather conditions and efforts by the Ukrainian Armed Forces, buckwheat harvesting outpaces last year. We’re seeing improved yields. This should drive prices down, but we must consider the costs involved in processing, logistics and packaging,” highlighted the Ministry of Agrarian Policy.