Heatwave Damages and High Demand Affect Raspberry Trade in Poland, July 2026

A late June heatwave and ongoing drought have caused visible sunburn and reduced yields in Polish raspberry fields during peak harvest, impacting both supply and the commercial market.

Wholesale raspberry prices in Poland remain high in early July 2026, reflecting both strong domestic and export demand and a reduced supply caused by weather-related crop damage. At the Bronisze wholesale market near Warsaw, prices for fresh raspberries in the first week of July ranged from €4.6–5.3/kg (20–23 PLN/kg), with top-quality lots sometimes exceeding €5.5/kg (24 PLN/kg). Farm-gate prices in main production regions were reported at €3.9–4.4/kg (17–19 PLN/kg) for dessert-grade fruit, depending on variety and quality.

The Polish raspberry sector is facing significant production issues this season. A nationwide heatwave from 27 to 29 June brought temperatures of 35–38°C and above, causing widespread sunburn on raspberry fruit and leaves—especially on the southern sides of bushes. This resulted in bleaching of drupelets, leaf burn, and some fruit loss. The extreme heat coincided with the final phase of ripening and main harvest, compounding the impact of a dry spring and early summer, which further stressed plants and reduced yields.

Despite these difficulties, buyer demand for Polish raspberries remains strong in both the fresh and processing markets. Export interest from Western Europe continues, driven by Poland's established position as a leading raspberry supplier. The value of Polish fruit and vegetable exports, including raspberries, contributed to a record €58.4 billion in agri-food exports in 2025, with over €2.4 billion from fruit and fruit products alone.

Growers in some regions report lingering effects from previous pest infestations, particularly spider mites, which weakened plants and limited cane development for the current season. Regeneration programmes started after last year's harvest have helped restore some plantations, but stressed root systems and canopies have left crops more vulnerable to weather extremes this year.

The overall supply of high-quality fresh raspberries on the Polish market in July 2026 is lower than in previous years due to the combined effects of heatwaves, drought, and pest pressure. This has led to increased competition among buyers and elevated prices at both wholesale and farm-gate levels.

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