High tunnel raspberry prices and limited supply after heatwave in Poland

Wholesale raspberry supply in Poland remains limited following a period of extreme heat, with tunnel-grown fruit dominating the market and prices at Bronisze wholesale market reaching €7.0–8.2/kg in early July.

On the Polish wholesale market, particularly at Bronisze near Warsaw, the supply of raspberries remains much lower than usual for early July. Recent heatwaves with temperatures up to 40°C have disrupted regular harvesting, especially for field-grown raspberries, leading to a temporary drop in overall market availability. As a result, the current market is dominated by raspberries from tunnel cultivation.

Wholesale prices for Polish raspberries at Bronisze at the beginning of July are reported at around €7.0–8.2/kg (30–35 PLN/kg). This price level is significantly higher compared to other domestic soft fruits, reflecting both the reduced supply and ongoing strong demand from buyers. The instability in supply has been compounded by many market vendors and small retailers having limited operations during the hottest days, further affecting the pace of trade.

The ongoing harvest of summer raspberries is at its peak, but the return of cooler and wetter weather is now creating favorable conditions for fungal diseases such as Botrytis (grey mould). Growers are facing challenges in maintaining fruit quality during this period, as increased humidity can quickly reduce shelf-life and marketability, potentially leading to further commercial losses.

Varietal selection remains a key factor for Polish growers, as different raspberry varieties are preferred for fresh market, export, or mechanical harvest. The variety 'Enrosadira' continues to be popular for its stable yields and suitability for retail chains, while 'Malaika' is noted for its postharvest durability in tunnel production aimed at premium markets.

The recent weather shift from extreme heat to rain and storms has forced growers to adapt their harvest and plant protection practices, with a focus on minimizing quality losses from fungal infections. This situation has reinforced the reliance on tunnel-grown fruit for consistent supply to wholesale markets.

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