Massive Import Pressure Lowers Polish Cherry Prices in June
Polish wholesale and retail cherry markets in the third week of June 2026 are experiencing intense competition from imported fruit, especially from Turkey, Greece, and Serbia, resulting in rapidly falling prices and high availability.
On the Bronisze wholesale market near Warsaw, domestic cherries on 18 June 2026 traded at €3.5–6.6/kg (15–28 PLN/kg) depending on variety and size, with premium varieties like Carmen at €5.9/kg (25 PLN/kg) and Summit at €4.2–4.7/kg (18–20 PLN/kg). Imported cherries from Serbia, Greece, and Spain were present in large volumes, priced at €3.5/kg (15 PLN/kg) for smaller fruit and up to €5.2/kg (22 PLN/kg) for the largest, best-quality lots. On the Kalisz wholesale market, domestic cherries fetched €2.8–4.7/kg (12–20 PLN/kg), while imported cherries were offered at €1.6–1.9/kg (7–8 PLN/kg). In Poznań (WGRO), wholesale prices ranged from €4.2–7.0/kg (18–30 PLN/kg). On the Łódź Zjazdowa market, cherries sold for €3.3–5.2/kg (14–22 PLN/kg), and in Lublin (Elizówka) for €3.5–4.7/kg (15–20 PLN/kg).
Retail chains, led by Lidl, launched aggressive price promotions: from 18 to 20 June, cherries were sold for €3.5/kg (14.99 PLN/kg) in some supermarkets, causing other chains such as Biedronka to match this price. Just a year earlier, comparable retail prices (over €5.9–7.0/kg or 25–30 PLN/kg) appeared only in mid-July, not June. At local markets in Warsaw, prices were highly variable: Hala Mirowska saw prices from €3.8–9.4/kg (16–40 PLN/kg), with premium varieties like Vega at €7.0/kg (30 PLN/kg).
Farm-gate prices in the Grójec region fell in response to import pressure and retail promotions. On 18 June, producer groups offered €3.3/kg (14 PLN/kg) for cherries over 22 mm, €3.8/kg (16 PLN/kg) for over 24 mm, and €4.0/kg (17 PLN/kg) for over 26 mm. By the following day, some buyers had reduced prices to €2.8/kg (12 PLN/kg) for fruit above 22 mm and even for larger calibres, citing the impact of cheap imported fruit and supermarket price cuts.
Import volumes have surged, with market sources reporting massive shipments from Turkey, Greece, Serbia, Bulgaria, Hungary, and Romania. Turkish cherries, benefiting from record harvests and lower production costs, are particularly price-competitive. Some importers are offering returned lots at €2.3–3.1/kg (10–13 PLN/kg). Lower-quality second-class cherries from Greece and other southern European countries are common, often with small calibres and several days post-harvest before reaching Polish shelves.
Domestic supply is increasing, with new Polish varieties such as Vega, Carmen, and Summit entering the market. However, weather events earlier in the season, including spring frosts, have limited the domestic crop, particularly for early varieties. Despite this, the overall market is saturated due to imports. Consumer demand remains strong, but competition between domestic and imported cherries is driving prices down across all segments.
Compiled from Polish trade press (2026-06-21)