Lemon prices in Poland still without growth

A year ago, March brought a sharp rise in lemon prices in Europe, including Poland. This was due to the fact that the CoVID-19 epidemic had reached the Old Continent. The crisis caused by this epidemic then caused a sharp rise in demand for fruit and vegetables. First of all, those which are known for their health-promoting and pro-immunity properties. These include lemons with their high vitamin C content.

Between 12 March and 9 April 2020, the average price of lemons on the Polish wholesale market increased by around 64 percent to as much as PLN 9.00 per kg. This increase was generated by a huge demand for this fruit. The demand was growing from week to week. Similarly to other European countries.

In the current season, the situation on the lemon market is completely different. Although there is still a pandemic and a third wave has even been announced, lemons are no longer the beneficiary of this situation. Demand on the fresh market has stabilised, and while it may be higher than it was before the coronavirus, it certainly remains much lower than during the 'covid panic' in March and April last year.

On the Polish wholesale market, prices of lemons in importers' offers have remained stable since mid-February at 4.00-5.50 zlotys per kg, which averages 4.75 zlotys per kg, 14% lower year-on-year. Moreover, it seems that there are no chances for an increase in the near future.

In Spain, the main supplier to Poland at the moment, alongside Turkey, the situation is dire, according to industry associations there. Demand for lemons is very weak. This is mainly due to the long-term closure of the HoReCa sector in Europe (the Spanish estimate that 40 percent of lemons used to go there). Prices have fallen below the cost of production and producers are leaving the fruit under the trees because it is not profitable to sell it. The retail market alone cannot manage this supply and this will not change for the time being.