Late Cadenza strawberry harvest continues amid high temperatures, Polish exports strong
Most Polish strawberry plantations have finished harvesting, with only late varieties like Cadenza still in production. The 2026 season was marked by high temperatures and challenging weather conditions, impacting yields and fruit size.
By early July, harvesting of traditional strawberry varieties in Poland is largely complete, with only late varieties such as Cadenza still being picked. On Cadenza plantations, harvest is in full swing, with yields reported at around 4 tonnes per hectare in a single picking cycle. The fruit maintains a large average size of 35–40 g, despite temperatures often exceeding 30°C in key growing regions.
No current wholesale or farm-gate strawberry prices are reported in the available sources for early July 2026. However, the commercial focus has shifted towards post-harvest field management and preparations for the next production cycle, as the main supply of domestic strawberries to Polish markets is ending.
Imports of frozen strawberries continue to play a role in the Polish market. In 2025, Poland imported over 80,000 tonnes of frozen strawberries from Egypt. Recent border controls revealed multiple cases of pesticide (oxamyl) residues above EU limits in Egyptian imports, but the contaminated batches were intercepted before entering the Polish market.
Polish exports of fruit and vegetable products, including strawberries and their preserves, reached about €2.4 billion in 2025, contributing significantly to the country’s agri-food trade surplus. The sector remains a key pillar of the Polish economy, with strawberry exports supported by ongoing investments in production and quality control.
The 2026 strawberry season faced prolonged periods of heat and sun, with many plantations reporting reduced fruit size and increased stress on plants. On late-harvested varieties like Cadenza, targeted irrigation and crop management have helped maintain both yield and fruit quality during the July heatwave.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker