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Why Juice Prices Are Skyrocketing: Key Reasons Behind the Cost

Discover why juice prices are rising fast: climate change, transport costs, taxes, and market dynamics. Analysis, charts, facts, and full breakdowns.

Discover why juice prices are rising fast: climate change, transport costs, taxes, and market dynamics. Analysis, charts, facts, and full breakdowns.

Global food prices are rising, and this is especially noticeable when it comes to fruit juices. Once a common and affordable drink, juice is becoming increasingly inaccessible for the average consumer. Why is juice becoming so expensive, and are these prices justified? What factors influence the final cost of this seemingly simple product?

This question concerns not only economists and producers but also ordinary shoppers. As noted by the Baltimore Chronicle, juice prices are influenced by dozens of factors — from weather conditions to global logistics.

Why Juice Is Becoming More Expensive in Ukraine and Worldwide

Juice prices don’t rise on their own — there is a complex mix of economic, social, and environmental reasons behind the surge.

  1. Climate change. In key fruit-producing countries like Brazil and Spain, droughts, frost, and pests have significantly reduced crop yields. Fewer fruits mean less juice.
  2. Energy cost inflation. Juice production requires a lot of electricity and fuel. Rising energy prices directly impact manufacturing costs.
  3. Logistics disruptions. Post-COVID-19, international supply chains are still recovering. Fruits are often transported over long distances, and transportation has become drastically more expensive.
  4. Increased demand. Juice is marketed as a healthy product, and its growing popularity also drives prices up.
  5. Tax burdens. In many countries, including Ukraine, sugary drinks are subject to higher excise taxes, and juice is often included in this category.

How Much Does It Cost to Produce One Liter of Juice?

To understand why juice is expensive, it’s essential to break down all production costs.

Main components of juice pricing:

Comparison table: Cost breakdown of one liter of juice

ComponentCost (UAH)Comment
Raw fruit10–25Depends on the type of fruit
Processing4–8Energy- and labor-intensive process
Packaging3–6Packaging is a major cost driver
Logistics5–10Varies by region
Taxes and VAT5–7Includes excise tax in some cases
Marketing2–5Advertising and promotion costs
Total cost29–61 UAHBefore retail markup

Natural vs. From Concentrate: What Makes the Price Differ

Many buyers choose juice from concentrate without understanding the difference from natural juice.

Key distinctions:

Why natural juice is more expensive:

Global Market Influence on Ukrainian Juice Prices

Ukraine imports a large portion of the fruits used in juice production — oranges, mangoes, pineapples, etc. Therefore, local prices are directly affected by:

Since 2022, customs-related expenses have also increased, adding further pressure on prices.

Locally Made Juices: A Cost-Effective Alternative or a Myth?

Some Ukrainian brands produce juices from locally grown apples, plums, or cherries. These are sometimes more affordable, but there are limitations:

Still, for conscious consumers, this can be a more eco-friendly and budget-friendly option, especially when bought directly from the producer.

Why Fresh Juice Costs More Than Packaged Juice

In cafes and supermarkets, freshly squeezed juice is significantly more expensive than packaged alternatives. Why is that?

Main reasons:

What to Expect from Juice Prices in the Near Future

Analysts predict that juice prices will continue to rise. Key reasons include:

However, the growing popularity of local producers and sustainable practices may help stabilize prices somewhat in the long run.

Earlier we wrote about why you shouldn’t do a juice detox.

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