Pork prices are hitting new highs, making it unaffordable for many. Who's to blame for this surge?

The prices of pork in Ukrainian supermarkets have risen again, reaching an average cost of 207.9 UAH per kilogram, which is 2.2% higher than in September. Analysts from the Association of "Pig Breeders of Ukraine" stated that this is the highest mark of the year, comparable to last year's prices when the primary reason for the increase was the high cost of purchasing live weight pigs.

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This year, the situation has changed: despite the decrease in prices for live pigs (31% lower than last year), other stages of production, including chilled halves, are becoming more expensive. The reason cited is the need to compensate for the drop in the value of by-products (skins, offal, fat), which have seen a significant decrease in demand.

“The main 'price shock' in this increase is borne by premium cuts – tenderloin, loin, steak, and neck. On the other hand, this year, in contrast to 2023, the gap between chicken fillet and pork prices has actually decreased, while non-premium cuts (shoulder, thigh, brisket, etc.) have even become more affordable,” analysts from the Association inform.