High wholesale prices for red peppers in Central Europe amid delayed local supply

Red bell pepper prices in Central Europe remain high due to slow expansion of local greenhouse supply, with average wholesale prices in Poland at €2.8/kg in early July 2026.

In early July 2026, wholesale prices for red bell peppers in Poland reached 12.00 PLN/kg, equivalent to €2.8/kg, reflecting a 60% increase over the previous year. The price range for red peppers from Polish greenhouses was 10.00–14.00 PLN/kg (€2.3–€3.3/kg). For comparison, the average price in July 2025 was 7.50 PLN/kg (€1.7/kg).

The slow expansion of local greenhouse supply in Poland is primarily limited to green and white peppers, with red peppers remaining scarce due to delayed harvests caused by adverse weather conditions in June. Green pepper wholesale prices in Poland stood at 5.50 PLN/kg (€1.3/kg), while white peppers were priced at 6.50 PLN/kg (€1.5/kg). Both green and white pepper prices were only marginally higher than in July 2025.

Across Europe, producers are focusing on varietal innovation to address plant health and climate challenges. In Sicily, Italy, companies such as Rijk Zwaan are introducing new Lamuyo-type pepper varieties with resistance to key pathogens, aiming to ensure stable yields and reduce phytosanitary interventions under increasing regulatory and climate pressures.

Heatwaves in many European countries, with temperatures exceeding 35°C, have affected vegetable crops, including peppers. The hot weather has the potential to accelerate the delayed pepper season, which could result in a rapid increase in supply and possible price pressure in the coming weeks, as observed in previous years.

The current high prices for red peppers and limited domestic availability in Central Europe may impact import demand from major producer countries such as Spain, the Netherlands, and Italy. Any increase in local supply could quickly change the market dynamics and influence price trends for imported peppers.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker