Poland: End of Main Strawberry Harvest, Market Focuses on New Varieties

The 2026 main strawberry harvest in Poland is ending, with supply from June-bearing varieties declining sharply in mid-July and market attention turning to potential new cultivars.

The wholesale supply of Polish strawberries has decreased significantly as the peak season for June-bearing varieties concludes in the second week of July. Polish wholesale markets, including Bronisze, are seeing a drop in the availability of local strawberries, and the main trade activity is winding down for domestic fruit. No new price quotations for strawberries at Bronisze or other major wholesale markets were reported for mid-July, indicating limited volumes and weaker market activity for Polish-grown fruit.

Growers and breeders are now focusing on the results of the 2026 season, particularly regarding the performance of new strawberry cultivars. During early June, breeders presented several new selections, with the HP 2206.1 line receiving the highest tasting marks from producers. These breeding activities are aimed at identifying varieties that might replace established cultivars such as 'Rumba', which has been a key variety in recent years.

Demand for fresh strawberries in Poland typically decreases in July as the main harvest ends and imported fruit becomes more prominent in wholesale and retail channels. There is currently no information on significant exports or imports of strawberries in mid-July, as the market transitions between domestic and imported supply.

Weather conditions in June and early July allowed for the completion of the main harvest in most regions, supporting the evaluation of new varieties for taste, firmness, and yield potential. The focus among producers has shifted from active harvesting to planning for future plantings and variety selection based on the 2026 season's results.

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