SKY-HIGH CHERRY PRICES: CUSTOMERS SAY THEY WON’T BE BUYING!

The current price of cherries at the Bijeljina market has shocked buyers, reaching an astonishing 15 convertible marks per kilogram. Frustrated customers are steering clear of the pricey fruit, while vendors express hope that upcoming shipments will bring more affordable prices.

PHOTO: InfoBijeljina

“Right now, strawberries are selling for seven marks per kilogram, while cherries are going for 15,” said Ljubiša Antunović, a long-time vendor at the Bijeljina market, in an interview with InfoBijeljina. “Compared to last year, the price of strawberries has remained fairly stable, but the cost of cherries is outrageously high. The bad weather and heavy rains have ruined much of the crop, so there aren’t many cherries available yet. We’re hoping prices will drop once the new batch arrives with the main season.”

Antunović noted that strawberries are seeing strong demand from buyers.

“People are buying strawberries because they’re sweet and good quality. But the cherries are slightly sour this year, due to the lack of sunshine and poor weather conditions. On top of that, the high price is really driving customers away.”

According to Antunović, many customers have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with the cherry prices, saying they simply can’t afford them.

“Right now, people are complaining. Some even say they won’t eat cherries at all this year,” he explained. “But we’re hopeful that once the second batch comes in and prices drop, sales will pick up. For now, people are buying very little.”

He added that all the produce he sells is locally grown. “The strawberries come from Velika Obarska and the cherries are from Čelić — it’s all from our region.”

At the beginning of the season, Antunović said, prices were even higher: early strawberries sold for as much as 12 marks per kilogram, and cherries were reaching a staggering 18 marks.