Fruit prices are rising, staples and vegetables show mixed trends

Sofia. Fruit prices have seen a significant increase on the country's commodity exchanges over the past week, according to the latest data from the State Commission on Commodity Exchanges and Wholesale Markets (SCCEWM). Amid this growth, staple foods and vegetables show diverse price movements, creating a complex picture for consumers and wholesale traders.

The situation is directly reflected in the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which is used as the main barometer for the movement of wholesale food prices in Bulgaria. Over the week, the WPI increased by 0.4 percent, reaching 2.235 percentage points. For comparison, the previous week the index was at 2.226 points, and its base level of 1.000 points was established back in 2005. This slight but steady increase signals continued inflationary dynamics in the food sector.

Among fruits, the most significant price increase was observed in lemons, which became 4.51 percent more expensive and are now traded wholesale for 4.50 leva per kilogram. Consumers and traders are also feeling the higher prices for other seasonal offerings.

Among fruits, the most significant price increase was observed in lemons, which became 4.51 percent more expensive and are now traded wholesale for 4.50 leva per kilogram. Consumers and traders are also feeling the higher prices for other seasonal offerings.

• Watermelons are up 1.23 percent to 0.66 leva per kilogram.
• Apricots are up 1.81 percent, reaching 3.93 leva per kilogram.
• The price of peaches also rose by 0.27 percent to 3.67 leva per kilogram.
• Last but not least, apples are offered on the exchanges for 1.89 percent more at 2.81 leva per kilogram.

The vegetable market is a colorful mosaic of upward and downward trends.

The largest price jump was registered for cucumbers, which became an impressive 16.06 percent more expensive, reaching a price of 2.37 leva per kilogram. In contrast, carrots recorded the most significant decrease in price by 17.22 percent, trading wholesale for only 1 lev per kilogram.

Other vegetables also reflect market instability.

• Zucchini are offered up 13.80 percent to 1.55 leva per kilogram.
• The price of mature onions is up 10.80 percent to 1.19 leva per kilogram.
• Potatoes recorded a minimal increase of 0.21 percent to 0.97 leva per kilogram.

At the same time, tomatoes recorded a significant drop of 12.97 percent, trading at 2.20 leva per kilogram. Prices for green and red peppers are also down, by 15.59 percent to 1.70 leva per kilogram and by 4.26 percent to 2.65 leva per kilogram, respectively. Cabbage also became 6.67 percent cheaper at 0.84 leva per kilogram.

Market situation for dairy products and meats

Regarding dairy products and meats, the market situation is also mixed.

• The price of cow's cheese increased by 0.96 percent to 11.78 leva per kilogram.
• Vitosha-type cheese is down 0.49 percent to 17.53 leva per kilogram.
• Yogurt (3 percent fat and above) is down 2.08 percent to 1.41 leva per 400 gram container.
• Fresh milk is up 1.36 percent to 2.39 leva per liter.
• Cow's butter (125 gram packet) is offered at a lower price by 0.71 percent, reaching 3.08 leva per piece.
• The price of chicken meat is down 2.19 percent to 6.80 leva per kilogram.
• Eggs (size M) are up 3.35 percent to 0.37 leva per piece wholesale.

Grocery group

In the grocery group, different directions of movement are also observed.

• The price of rice is down 0.49 percent to 3.28 leva per kilogram.
• Prices for lentils are up – by 1.51 percent to 4.30 leva per kilogram, and for mature beans, which are up 1.82 percent to 4.25 leva per kilogram.
• Flour type 500 is up 0.90 percent to 1.57 leva per kilogram.
• Cooking oil is down 0.87 percent to 3.19 leva per liter.
• The price of sugar is also down by 0.22 percent to 1.82 leva per kilogram.

The data provided by the SCCEWM gives a clear signal about the dynamics of the wholesale market and is expected to influence final prices for consumers in the coming days and weeks.