Central Poland: Cherry Farm-Gate Prices Drop Sharply, Wholesale Holds at €1.4–1.6/kg

Farm-gate prices for cherries intended for processing in Poland dropped rapidly in late July to €0.9/kg for freezing and €0.5/kg for juicing. Wholesale prices at Bronisze market on 3 August remained higher, at €1.4–1.6/kg.

In the last days of July, Polish cherry producers in the Łódzkie and Świętokrzyskie regions reported a sudden and simultaneous drop in farm-gate prices. Cherries for freezing were purchased at about €0.9/kg (4 PLN/kg), while fruit for juicing was offered at around €0.5/kg (2 PLN/kg). These reductions were implemented almost simultaneously by processing plants, leading to concerns about market practices. The Ministry of Agriculture has asked the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) to investigate possible violations of competition or unfair trading practices.

Despite the sharp drop at the farm-gate, wholesale prices for cherries at the Bronisze market near Warsaw on 3 August 2026 stood at €1.4–1.6/kg (6–7 PLN/kg). Producers, however, reported significant difficulties with the sale and collection of cherries destined for processing, with extended waiting times for delivery and collection impacting fruit quality and further weakening growers' negotiating positions.

The cherry harvest in Poland is nearing its end, and fruit quality has naturally declined at this late stage of the season. High temperatures in key growing regions, such as Grójec, Sandomierz, and Powiśle Lubelskie, have contributed to accelerated ripening and potential quality losses. On 5 August, maximum temperatures in the main orchard areas are forecast to reach 40°C, with up to 37°C already expected on 4 August in Podkarpacie. These weather conditions increase the risk of further quality deterioration.

Reports to the Ministry indicate that not only individual producers, but also producer organisations and fruit and vegetable groups, are experiencing problems with the collection of cherries. The ongoing investigation by UOKiK will examine whether the simultaneous price reductions and collection delays are a result of market conditions or require regulatory action.

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