Alexander Anfinogenov, an independent expert in the sphere of everyday goods, commented on the latest Rosstat data on the rise in prices for carrots and beets, noting that the situation is alarming and requires systemic intervention. According to Rosstat, in July 2025, carrots and beets were the leaders in terms of price increase among vegetable products.
Anfinogenov pointed out that modern retail is focused on mass purchases, mainly from large suppliers, including foreign suppliers. The main focus is on the appearance of products and shelf life, while taste qualities are often relegated to the background. According to him, Russian farmers offer more tasty goods, but they are inferior in terms of logistics and packaging, which makes their products less attractive to chains.
Anfinogenov noted that since 2021, on the initiative of the Federation Council, Russia has been working to integrate local farmers into large retail chains, but without support from the government and the participation of relevant ministries, such initiatives remain fragmented.
As a result, the expert called the current situation with prices for basic vegetables not just an economic failure, but a disgrace. The demand for products like potatoes, carrots and beets is stable and predictable, and the implementation of an effective program of the Ministry of Agriculture to support farmers could not only stabilize prices, but also provide surplus for canning.
As an example, Anfinogenov on the air of “Radio KP” cited the increase in potato prices by 160% in 2024, calling it unacceptable. He recalled that even small countries, such as Belarus, support Russia in food security issues, and expressed bewilderment at the lack of systemic measures in agricultural policy.
Earlier, expert Kravtsov shared his opinion on the postponement of the introduction of the universal QR code. It has also become known how possible US duties will affect prices in Russia.