Polish strawberry harvest peaks; authorities crack down on imports mislabelled as Polish

The Polish strawberry market is at the height of harvest in mid-June 2026, with significant volumes available from domestic plantations, while authorities intensify controls against imported strawberries falsely labelled as Polish.

Strawberry harvesting is in full swing across Poland, with plantations reporting abundant yields from both standard and newer varieties. The Hornigi region near Warka showcased over 40 commercial varieties during the 'Truskawkowe Inspiracje 2026' event on 13 June, highlighting both established and newly bred types now in their third productive year. Producers and market participants note that taste, firmness, and shelf life are increasingly critical for securing higher prices, reflecting demands from wholesale buyers and retail chains.

At Polish wholesale markets, large volumes of strawberries are available, with prices varying by quality, variety, and region. The Bronisze wholesale market, serving the Warsaw area, is reporting high supply pressure due to peak harvest, though concrete price figures were not disclosed in the sources. Market participants emphasize that fruit firmness and proper harvesting practices are essential for achieving favourable commercial outcomes, especially for fruit destined for distant markets or chain stores.

Demand remains strong, especially for premium-quality dessert strawberries, but the market is also impacted by continued imports from Serbia and Moldova. These imported strawberries are sometimes sold as Polish products, a practice the government is now targeting through new regulations and expanded inspection powers for food quality authorities. The new regulations, adopted by the Council of Ministers in June 2026, impose stricter penalties for food origin fraud and require clearer country-of-origin labelling at the point of sale.

Weather conditions in the run-up to the 2026 harvest included a harsh winter and spring frosts, which challenged plant regeneration but did not prevent high yields on well-managed plantations. Producers in Hornigi and other regions report that strong root systems and adapted agronomic practices have supported output despite variable spring weather, including periods of drought and heavy rainfall.

During the first Polish Strawberry Picking Championship in Hornigi on 13 June, participants demonstrated that well-maintained plantings of the Cory variety allowed for both rapid and high-quality harvesting. The event highlighted the importance of both speed and fruit quality in commercial strawberry production.

Compiled from Polish trade press (2026-06-16)