Blueberry prices fall in Poland amid rising supply and weather challenges
Farm-gate and wholesale blueberry prices in Poland are falling in mid-July 2026 due to increased supply as the main harvest peaks. Adverse weather conditions have affected yields and fruit quality in several regions.
In the first half of July 2026, farm-gate prices for Polish blueberries have declined rapidly as the main harvest accelerates. Early-season prices exceeded €4.6/kg (20 PLN/kg), but many growers now expect prices to drop to €2.3–2.8/kg (10–12 PLN/kg) at the peak of supply. The reduction in price is attributed to the simultaneous onset of harvests across western, central, and eastern Poland, increasing market availability and putting downward pressure on prices.
Producers report that production costs for blueberries are now above €3.5/kg (15 PLN/kg), which means current and expected farm-gate prices may fall below the cost of production for many growers. Meanwhile, the wholesale market is also experiencing price reductions as supply increases, and competition from other seasonal fruits intensifies buyer price pressure. Export opportunities remain significant, with Polish berries maintaining a strong position in European markets, especially as the seasons in Serbia and Portugal wind down.
Polish blueberry exports are a major contributor to the country's fruit sector, which generated €2.4 billion from fruit and processed fruit exports in 2025. Blueberries, along with strawberries, raspberries, and currants, are among the main soft fruits exported by Poland, supporting thousands of farms and producer groups nationwide.
The 2026 season has been marked by weather extremes: late spring frosts caused localized flower and fruit damage, particularly on the Chandler variety, while Duke yields remain near normal in some areas. However, many plantations show visible consequences of winter frost damage, especially with Duke, including stunted growth and smaller fruit size, with some berries reaching just 8–10 mm in diameter.
A late June heatwave with temperatures above 38°C and prolonged drought further stressed blueberry plants, causing sunburn on fruit and leaves, and negatively affecting the quality and market value of the harvest. Rainfall in early July has brought some relief but cannot fully offset earlier weather impacts.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker