Poland: July heat cuts raspberry yields, supply tight, prices under pressure

Exceptionally high temperatures in late June have sharply reduced raspberry yields in Poland, with daily harvests falling to as low as 70 kg per hectare on some plantations.

Polish raspberry growers report a significant reduction in available fruit due to persistent heatwaves at the end of June 2026. On some open-field plantations in central Poland, daily yields dropped to just 70 kg/ha, with the harvest window now restricted to early morning hours (4:00–9:00). After 9:00, fieldwork becomes unfeasible due to heat, and fruit and leaf damage intensifies, especially on southern-exposed rows. Fruit exposed without leaf cover shows bleaching and sunburn, and overall harvest volumes remain low for this period.

The heat has not affected all varieties equally. Glen Ample, with denser foliage, is more resistant to sun damage, while Glen Carron and other varieties with more exposed fruit show greater losses. Intensive irrigation is being used to mitigate heat stress, but excessive watering risks fruit cracking. Growers note that the ultimate impact on yields and fruit quality will depend on weather in the coming days.

The commercial supply of fresh Polish raspberries is currently limited, with both open-field and tunnel-grown fruit affected by weather stress. In tunnel production, late spring cold delayed the release of predatory mites for pest control, but biological agents have established and now limit spider mite populations. However, tunnel yields are also under pressure from heat and management challenges.

Demand for fresh raspberries remains high, but the reduced supply is pushing prices upward on wholesale markets. Concrete wholesale price data for fresh raspberries (e.g. Bronisze) is not cited in the current sources, but market participants confirm that volume traded is well below normal for late June. The sector expects continued volatility in supply and prices as growers assess the full extent of weather-related losses.

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