Polish Strawberry Season Nears End: Supply Drops, Prices Diverge Amid Heatwave

Polish field-grown strawberry harvests are ending rapidly due to extreme heat, causing a sharp drop in supply and wide discrepancies in prices depending on fruit quality and variety.

Wholesale and farm-gate trade in strawberries in Poland has become highly segmented at the end of June 2026. At collection points in central Poland, farm-gate prices for strawberries for freezing reached €1.9–2.0/kg (8.00–8.50 PLN/kg), reflecting continued strong demand but also widespread quality issues. For lower-quality, heat-damaged fruit, prices dropped as low as €3.3–3.5 per 2 kg box (14–15 PLN/łubianka) at the start of the week, while better-quality late varieties fetched €6.3–7.0 per 2 kg box (27–30 PLN/łubianka) by 25–26 June. Most of the supply—about 75%—was lower quality, with only 25% of fruit achieving premium prices due to firmness and shelf life.

Wholesale market activity, notably at the Bronisze market near Warsaw, shows that the strawberry season is ending as high temperatures have made further harvesting of field-grown fruit unviable. Growers report that only late varieties such as Malwina are still being harvested in some locations, with the majority of early and mid-season varieties now finished. Fruit quality is declining rapidly: processors and traders report rising shares of overripe, soft, or moldy berries, and an increased risk of rejected lots.

Processing companies are ending strawberry purchases for both freezing and pressing. Many cold stores have already stopped buying for juice, and most plan to conclude all strawberry intake by 27 June. From the following week, the processing sector plans to switch focus to currants, further limiting trade options for strawberry growers with late crops.

Demand for high-quality, late-season strawberries remains strong in the fresh market, supporting premium prices for firm, well-colored fruit. However, overall buyer interest is shifting to other summer berries (blueberries, currants, gooseberries), which are now entering the market in greater volumes. Extreme heat continues to impact both supply and fruit condition, with reports of 'cooked' fruit arriving at collection points and logistical challenges for both growers and traders.

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