Meat prices are rising in Ukraine. What price increases can we expect for pork, beef, and chicken?

Meat Prices on the Rise: How Much to Pay for Cutlets or Roast

The consumer price index for meat products in February 2025 stands at 101.45%. Compared to the previous month, the average prices for these products have increased by 1.45%. According to data from the Ministry of Finance, in January 2025, this index relative to the previous month was 99.63%.

When looking at fresh beef, pork, and chicken, excluding offal, as of February 26, the current average prices for meat in Ukrainian stores range from 76.95 UAH per kg (chicken drumstick) to 319.32 UAH per kg (beef goulash).

Data from the Ministry of Finance as of 26.02.25

Examining the price dynamics, meat products have increased in price over the year by 7% (chicken thigh) to 22% (beef goulash). In the first month of 2025, prices for various types of meat jumped from 2% (pork) to 7% (beef). Chicken prices have remained stable after the New Year holidays, but this is solely due to consistent supply and high competition among producers. Due to rising electricity and feed costs, the final prices of products in stores may still surprise.

The consumer price index for meat products in February 2025 is 101.45%

Denis Marchuk, Deputy Chairman of the All-Ukrainian Agrarian Council, states that the grain feed group, which affects meat prices, significantly increased last season, particularly due to weather conditions, thus influencing seasonal factors on prices.

"When it’s warm in Ukraine, we have plenty of product offerings, but when it’s cold, we hardly produce any. For example, in winter, we experience a season of 'low milk' — there are fewer yields, yet the demand does not decrease. Consequently, there is competition for quality raw materials, which drives up prices," added Denis Marchuk.

Why Meat Prices are Rising and is There a Risk of Quality Product Shortages?

As noted by the "Ukrainian Club of Agrarian Business," the rise in meat product prices is influenced by issues in every segment: from military actions to energy shortages. Thus, beef prices have increased due to the rising cost of livestock at processing enterprises and a further reduction in livestock numbers.

"The situation with pork remains more tense due to additional supply problems, as some suppliers cannot operate due to the proximity of the frontline to their enterprises," added agricultural experts.

Oleg Pendzin, Executive Director of the Economic Discussion Club, also emphasizes that under wartime conditions, farms are forced to reduce production volumes.

The situation with pork remains more tense due to additional supply problems, as some suppliers cannot operate due to the proximity of the frontline to their enterprises

Experts link the continued rise in prices in 2025 to the potential increase in feed costs and the possible rise in electricity prices for business consumers. Additionally, in some market segments, the share of imports will increase. Apart from the rising meat prices, this year should also see a logical increase in the cost of sausage products and smoked meat.

At the same time, according to economists, the issue of rising food prices in Ukraine should be viewed more broadly, considering the increase in consumer incomes, which, unfortunately, will not grow this year.

"The budget anticipates a 9.5% increase in consumer prices over the year. Undoubtedly, some will rise more, some less. However, this year our social standards are frozen. So, with 9.5% inflation, our incomes will not increase. Moreover, our average annual wage growth in 2025 is projected to be around 24,200 UAH. At the end of 2024, the average wage is 22,500 UAH. This results in a growth of less than 10%. Thus, even if projected figures are achieved, our average wage growth will not cover inflation. This means real incomes will fall, primarily among low-income groups. Frankly, this does not compensate for the rise in prices. Therefore, this is the main issue when we talk about price increases," said Oleg Pendzin.

It was also mentioned that against the backdrop of rising prices for essential food categories, in January, eggs in Ukraine fell by 23.1%, while prices for sugar decreased by 0.8% and 0.6%.