Polish Blueberry Season Starts with Lower Farm-Gate Prices and Weather Challenges
The 2026 Polish blueberry season began with farm-gate prices above €4.6/kg, but downward pressure is expected as peak harvest approaches. Yields are varied, with weather and winter frost damage affecting supply, especially for the Chandler variety.
At the start of the 2026 season, farm-gate prices for blueberries in Poland were reported above €4.6/kg (20 PLN/kg) in early July, but industry sources anticipate a decline to €2.3–2.8/kg (10–12 PLN/kg) during the peak harvest period. Production costs are estimated to exceed €3.4/kg (15 PLN/kg), putting additional pressure on growers due to falling prices as supply increases.
Blueberry harvests began earlier in western Poland, with central and eastern regions following. This staggered start is expected to spread out the peak supply, potentially mitigating sharp price drops seen in previous years. Domestic supply is considered solid despite localised losses, as most plantations retained good yield potential after spring frosts.
Weather conditions have significantly impacted the 2026 season. Spring frosts, followed by heatwaves reaching up to 40°C and periods of rain, have led to variable yields and fruit quality. The Duke variety, currently being harvested, shows near-normal yields in some regions, while Chandler has suffered substantial losses, particularly on less favorable soils. On many plantations, fruit size is reduced due to winter frost damage and poor plant regeneration, especially for Duke and Chandler.
Poland remains a major exporter of blueberries, contributing to over €2.4 billion in fruit and fruit product export value in 2025. With Serbia and Portugal finishing their seasons, and Romania still supplying the market, Polish exporters are monitoring European demand closely.
Buyer demand is steady, with exporters and domestic buyers active, but market participants remain cautious about price trends in the coming weeks as volumes increase. Weather-related plant stress and regional variation in harvest timing continue to shape supply and trade dynamics across Poland.
Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker