Chinese cabbage - prices are still at record high in Poland

The prices of Chinese cabbage in the Polish wholesale market have increased again after a temporary low in the second decade of March. They still remain at a record high level. Now it is 3,50-4,70 PLN/kg. Such prices at this stage of the season have certainly not been seen for ten years, and most likely much longer. The previous ten seasons are shown on the graph below (average selling price, large bulk, fresh-market.pl editorial price monitoring).

However, the graph shows that a year ago we had a very dynamic end to the season on the "pekinki" market. Prices had been rising since January 2021, but in March the trend accelerated and in April we wrote on fresh-market.pl about a frenzy in Chinese cabbage prices. Prices were still rising in the second decade of April, despite the fact that there was already young Chinese cabbage on the market from Hungary and even from Polish crops under covers.

Now we also have the first announcements of sales of young "pekinek", apparently also domestic. The Kalisz market also has such an item. Prices are at the level of 4.50-5.00 PLN/kg, so comparable to "old" cabbage. We know from experience that in April young "pekinka" will not have a major impact on price realities, unless Hungary harvests a lot of it and floods the market. So far this does not appear to be the case.

Demand for Chinese cabbage from cold storage is high on the Polish market, although not yet as high as in April 2021. But it will probably get stronger. Especially with a cool spring and the low supply of lettuces and their high prices. Demand is coming both from the domestic market and is also strong in exports. This gives grounds to expect a further strengthening of the prices of this vegetable.