Rising prices have changed shopping habits across Russia, according to a Grodan-commissioned survey reported by socialbites.ca. The study found that 38% of Russians now buy fresh greenhouse cucumbers and tomatoes less frequently, while 11% have stopped buying them altogether. These shifts reflect broader concerns about household budgets as inflation persists in many sectors.
In response to price pressures, 9% of respondents said they started saving on other items, and an equal share admitted that price increases in vegetables and tomatoes did not change their purchasing habits. A third, 33%, acknowledged noticing higher prices but have not yet altered their consumption patterns, suggesting a window where consumer decisions could shift in the near term.
When asked about price changes since early autumn, half of the participants believed cucumber and tomato prices rose noticeably, while 20% described the increase as modest. A small group, 4%, was confident that prices remained stable, and the remaining 24% felt uncertain about the trend because they rarely buy greenhouse produce and do not pay close attention to price fluctuations.
The survey highlighted a strong interest in home cultivation: more than half of respondents grew their own cucumbers and tomatoes this year. Specifically, 36% gardened regularly, and 21% began gardening in response to rising costs. However, 43% reported not planting these vegetables due to the absence of a vegetable garden on their property.
Despite challenges, a notable portion of Russians believe homegrown produce is doable. Eighteen percent feel it is impossible to produce tasty vegetables at home, while 36% regularly harvest their own crops, and another 46% believe it is feasible even if they have not tried it themselves. The findings align with broader conversations about self-sufficiency and cost control during inflationary periods (Source: Grodan via socialbites.ca).
Analysts noted that price increases for greenhouse vegetables typically begin in the late autumn months, but several contributing factors accelerated the trend this year. The hot, dry summer affected yields and quality, while inflation and rising costs for inputs such as fuel, mineral fertilizers, and other consumables added pressure across the supply chain. Additionally, labor costs rose as staffing shortages persisted, with farmers competing for workers and raising wages to attract help (Source: Grodan via socialbites.ca).
Official data from Rosstat for mid-September showed ongoing price movements: tomatoes up by 8.4% and cucumbers up by 3.7% during the week of September 12–18, 2023. The survey surveyed 1,347 adults across Russia from September 18–22, 2023, providing a snapshot of consumer sentiment during a period of notable price volatility (Source: Grodan via socialbites.ca).
Earlier reporting connected to these findings noted a sharp decline in potato prices for the new harvest, underscoring the broader context of vegetable price dynamics within the country during the same timeframe (Source: Grodan via socialbites.ca).