Lower cucumber harvest forecast in Europe, impacting supply to Poland

Preliminary figures from European statistical offices indicate a reduction in cucumber production in 2026, with total harvests in key EU countries expected to decrease, potentially affecting export availability and trade flows to markets such as Poland.

According to initial estimates for 2026, the harvest of field-grown cucumbers in the European Union is forecast at 115,000 tonnes. This represents a decrease in production compared to the previous year, mainly attributed to spring frosts, insufficient rainfall, and heatwaves in June that affected major producing countries. Weather-related challenges led to uneven crop emergence and growth, with localized damage from late April frosts and stress from high temperatures at the end of June. The situation has required more intensive irrigation and plant protection measures in several regions.

In terms of international trade, Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, and Greece remain the leading suppliers of fresh cucumbers to other European markets. However, the overall reduction in output is expected to tighten availability for export, particularly during the late summer period. No new export price quotations for cucumbers were reported for early August, but previous years’ wholesale prices in Western Europe during supply shortages have ranged from €1.2/kg to €1.8/kg.

The competitive landscape among supplier countries remains intense, with Germany and Spain traditionally dominating exports to Central and Eastern Europe. Lower yields in these countries could shift sourcing patterns and increase demand for cucumbers from alternative origins, including local producers in recipient countries such as Poland.

In recent years, the Netherlands and Spain have invested in improved storage and cold chain logistics to reduce post-harvest losses and extend shelf life for export cucumbers. According to recent data, losses due to inadequate refrigeration can account for up to 12% of total supply, highlighting the importance of cold chain efficiency in maintaining marketable volumes.

As of early August 2026, supply constraints in Western and Southern Europe may influence import prices and availability in Poland, which is a key destination for cucumbers from the EU. The final impact on trade will depend on weather conditions in the coming weeks, which will determine the outcome of late cucumber varieties still in the field.

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