"Picnic period": the Ministry of Agriculture explained the rise in meat prices in August

The Ministry of Agriculture explains the increase in selling prices for MEAT in the Russian Federation in August by traditional seasonal demand, the so-called barbecue period, and expects that after its completion, the reduction in demand will contribute to lower prices.

According to the agency, in August 2021, producer prices for meat "showed more moderate dynamics relative to retail prices." Thus, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, the cost of a kilogram of fresh pork increased by 0.7%, beef - by 0.8%, chicken meat - by 1%, lamb - decreased by 0.8%.

“A slight increase in selling prices for certain categories of meat products was associated with the traditional seasonal factor (picnic period),” the report says.

“Currently, there is a correction in selling prices for pork, which in the near future should be reflected in retail, as well as the cost of poultry meat. According to the estimates of specialized industry unions, the end of the summer period and the reduction in demand for meat will contribute to a further reduction in prices,” the Ministry of Agriculture notes.

In addition, this trend will be supported by an increase in production volumes. “Last year's poultry production volumes were almost reached in August after a decline due to an outbreak of avian influenza. Also, thanks to the loading of new livestock complexes, there is a positive trend in the production of pork,” the ministry said.

As reported, according to Rosstat, consumer prices for pork in August increased by 2.5% compared with July, for beef - by 2.1%, for lamb - by 0.8%. Since the beginning of the year, pork has risen in price by 11.3%, poultry meat - by 16.4%, beef - by 8.8%, lamb - by 13.3%.

Regarding the prices for fruits and vegetables, the Ministry of Agriculture reports that as a result of the new crop entering the market, they are declining. Thus, in August, selling prices for beets decreased by 14.5%, cucumbers - by 11.2%, tomatoes - by 20.8%, onions - by 11.7%, potatoes - by 0.3%, apples - by 4.2%.

“By the end of 2021, an increase in the production of both ground and greenhouse vegetables is expected, which will help ensure a stable level of prices for these products,” the ministry is convinced. “In the future, this trend will be supported by the implementation of investment projects in greenhouse vegetable growing, the expansion of acreage for open-ground vegetables, as well as an increase in storage capacity in the Russian Federation.”