In April 2025, lemon prices in retail soared by 56.7%. For instance, by May 2, the price of lemons in Moscow reached €2.68 per kg, up from just €1.62 per kg a month earlier, according to experts from the agribusiness expert-analytical group “AB-Center.”

This price increase is unprecedented, as lemon prices typically rise in April, but in previous years, the growth was much more moderate: in 2024, it was just 13%, in 2023, 22.9%, and in 2022, 15.2%.

One of the main reasons for the price hike is the shift in lemon suppliers. Normally, Turkey begins to reduce its lemon exports in April due to a seasonal drop in supply, while imports from South Africa and Argentina gradually increase in May. However, this year, imports from Turkey have decreased significantly, worsening the market situation.

Additionally, poor weather conditions early in the spring and the suspension of shipments have sparked a rise in wholesale prices. According to Vyacheslav Cheglov, professor at the Russian Economic University, Turkish suppliers have imposed “inflationary expectations” on the news of poor harvest forecasts, and importers have passed on these costs in the final price, even for products from older contracts.

The market is also exhibiting speculative behavior from both suppliers and major retail chains. Experts are confident that there will be no lemon shortage.

As shipments from Argentina and South Africa start arriving in Russia, prices are expected to slightly decrease and stabilize. The availability of additional suppliers, such as Egypt and other South American countries, will contribute to increasing the lemon supply in Russia.

Source: finance.mail.ru