Kraków and Warsaw: Imported Cherries Dominate, Domestic Prices Vary Amid Lower Supply

Polish wholesale markets are seeing a surge of imported cherries, especially from Greece, Serbia, and Turkey, while domestic supply is down due to spring frosts. Domestic cherry prices at Bronisze range widely depending on variety and size, with the market also impacted by significant imports.

Imported cherries have flooded Polish wholesale markets in mid-June 2026, particularly at the Rybitwy market in Kraków, where Greek and Serbian cherries are widely available. Import prices at Rybitwy over the past weekend were quoted at €3.8/kg (16 PLN/kg), but sales were often made at €3.3/kg (14 PLN/kg), with potential for lower prices on larger quantities. Domestic Burlat cherries struggled to find buyers at these prices, despite the ongoing start of the Polish harvest.

At the Bronisze wholesale market near Warsaw, domestic cherry prices are more robust. On June 15, 2026, large-sized Carmen cherries reached up to €5.9/kg (25 PLN/kg), while the Summit variety was priced at €4.2–4.7/kg (18–20 PLN/kg). Smaller-sized domestic cherries were trading below these levels. The supply of Polish cherries is gradually increasing, but availability remains lower than usual for this stage of the season.

Spring frosts caused significant damage to cherry orchards in many regions, with yields estimated at 50–60% of a normal crop in some areas, depending on orchard location and frost protection measures. The Sweet Ariana variety suffered the greatest losses, while Kordia and Summit fared better where frost protection was used. In traditional orchards without covers or heating, yields are notably reduced.

Frequent rainfall in June has further complicated the harvest, affecting fruit quality and making picking more difficult. In some orchards, cherry cracking has been reported due to rain. The weather has contributed to the limited availability and variable quality of domestic cherries on the market.

Retailers and wholesalers continue to prefer imports for logistical reasons, as they can source large, uniform lots from a single supplier. The presence of imported cherries, often several days old and of mixed quality, is suppressing demand for early domestic varieties such as Burlat.

Compiled from Polish trade press (2026-06-16)