Aronia - we have the worst possible scenario
What is happening in the aronia market in Poland is the fulfillment of the worst-case scenario for the producers of this fruit. Just before the start of this year's harvest, it seemed that things would be better than in previous years, and certainly better than in the disastrous 2023 season. It was believed that the aronia market could follow in the footsteps of not only currants but also cherries.
However, the opposite scenario unfolded. Instead of good prices, we saw a series of declines in purchase offers from buyers and processors. As a result, the current purchase prices for aronia are mostly in the range of 0.80-1.20 PLN per kilogram, which is approximately 0.19-0.28 EUR per kilogram (depending on the region of the country and the intended use of the fruit). And yet, let us remember, the initial offers for selling aronia for processing were at prices of 5.00 PLN per kilogram (around 1.16 EUR per kilogram)! However, the market reality brutally shattered hopes of a return to profitable and lucrative aronia production.
The current prices, averaging around 1.00 PLN per kilogram (0.23 EUR per kilogram), are the worst for this phase of the season in years! It is true that last year, purchase prices dropped to 0.70 PLN per kilogram (0.16 EUR per kilogram), but that happened towards the end of the campaign, in late August 2023. Around August 12th last year, the average purchase price of aronia was still at 1.15 PLN per kilogram (0.27 EUR per kilogram). In the 2022 season, we also had an average price of 1.00 PLN per kilogram (0.23 EUR per kilogram), like now. However, that only happened after a decline from early September. Earlier, in August 2022, the price was 1.15 PLN per kilogram (0.27 EUR per kilogram).
So, are we in for a repeat of last year with an average price at the 0.70 PLN per kilogram (0.16 EUR per kilogram) level? And this in a season where the Central Statistical Office (GUS) predicts a significant drop in the harvest of these fruits. According to preliminary forecasts by GUS experts, this year's aronia harvest would amount to 47 thousand tons, 12 percent less than last year.