Belgian strawberry auctions show prices up to 18% higher in Q1 2026

Belgian strawberry prices at VBT auctions averaged up to 18% above last year in the first quarter of 2026, supported by strong sales and good production volumes. In spring, auction supply was up to 5% higher year on year, although heat affected grading and fruit quality.

Flanders recorded a stronger commercial start to the 2026 strawberry season than in recent years. A sector barometer based on production, pre-season pricing and simulated variable costs moved above its five-year average in the first half of the year after a downturn in 2022-2023.

At VBT auctions, first-quarter strawberry prices were on average up to 18% higher than in the same period of 2025 and clearly above recent-year levels. In the second quarter, prices returned closer to the long-term average, with a dip in June reducing the overall result for that period.

Availability was also higher. Spring supply at VBT auctions was up to 5% above the same period last year and exceeded levels seen in recent years. The higher volume came alongside concerns over quality and size grading, partly linked to heat during the second quarter of 2026.

In West Flanders, a producer reported that sales through its own channels were clearly higher than last year. The usual demand decline after the start of the summer holidays was limited, and around 21 July, when many local farms traditionally go on holiday, the dip was also not seen; the producer said this kept prices high.

High temperatures above 30°C disrupted production planning, including a two-week postponement of planting at one farm. The Sonsation variety was still being harvested in volume until a few weeks earlier, but under warm summer conditions the fruit softened more quickly, making firmer strawberries with longer shelf life more relevant for auction and wholesale delivery.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker · Illustrative image generated by AI