As Russia braces for another inflationary summer, there’s a flicker of relief on the horizon: fresh produce prices are expected to drop sharply across the country in July, according to economist Svetlana Kazantseva. The anticipated decline will span a broad range of seasonal fruits, vegetables, berries, and herbs.
Kazantseva, a Candidate of Economic Sciences and Associate Professor at the Basic Department of Trade Policy at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, shared the projection with the Russian Prime news agency, citing an abundance of local harvests and the resulting surge in supply as the main driver of lower prices.
What gets cheaper?
“In July, Russian markets will be flooded with locally grown vegetables and fruits,” Kazantseva explained. “This natural surplus and the spike in competition among producers and distributors will drive prices down across most categories.”
According to her forecast, consumers can expect price reductions on:
- Apples
- Pears
- Carrots
- Radishes
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Onions
- Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, coriander, etc.)
Additionally, berries like strawberries, blueberries, currants, and gooseberries will see a price drop as their peak harvesting season begins. These seasonal items, usually expensive during off-season months, will become the most affordable and abundant options in grocery aisles.
The weather caveat
Kazantseva, however, urged caution. “While the general outlook is positive, factors such as weather anomalies and transportation bottlenecks could temper the depth of these price reductions,” she noted.
“If yields are lower than projected due to droughts or heavy rains, or if logistics issues delay deliveries, the drop in prices might not be as steep,” she added. Still, barring extreme disruptions, July remains one of the best months for Russian families to stretch their food budgets without sacrificing quality or variety.
Strategic shopping and health benefits
With economic uncertainty continuing into mid-2025, this period offers Russian households a valuable opportunity to save money while improving nutrition. Incorporating affordable, locally sourced fruits and vegetables into daily diets can help reduce reliance on processed and imported foods—a strategic pivot toward health and self-sufficiency.
Experts also point out that eating seasonally supports local agriculture and reduces the environmental impact of long-distance food transport, adding a layer of sustainability to consumer habits.
This forecast follows recent market data showing evolving consumer preferences. In the first quarter of 2025, Russia saw an 8% drop in potato sales, while sales of bread, pasta, and cereals rose by 6%, according to retail data. Analysts suggest that as fresh produce becomes more affordable, this trend could reverse in favor of more balanced, nutrient-rich diets.
In a country grappling with economic volatility and sanctions-related trade pressures, July’s expected produce price drop is a welcome reprieve. For now, at least, Russian families can look forward to colorful, nutritious, and affordable food on their tables—with apples, garlic, and currants leading the charge.
