Warsaw and Bronisze: Strawberry Supply Drops, Prices Up Amid Heatwave

Polish open-field strawberry harvest is ending due to extreme heat, sharply reducing supply and pushing up prices at both wholesale and retail markets.

At Warsaw's Wołoska market, retail strawberry prices on 30 June 2026 ranged from €3.5 to €5.8/kg (15–25 PLN/kg), with significantly fewer strawberries available compared to cherries. Vendors reported that high temperatures—felt up to 40°C in central Warsaw—limited strawberry supplies, as traders anticipated lower customer turnout and the fruit's short shelf life in the heat.

At the Bronisze wholesale market near Warsaw, producers confirmed that the open-field strawberry harvest is finishing, with most outdoor crops unable to withstand the ongoing heatwave. Supply of strawberries has markedly decreased compared to previous weeks, with late varieties such as Malwina still in the market but in limited quantities. Earlier in the week, lower-quality strawberries were sold at €3.3–3.5 per 2-kg box (14–15 PLN/box), while late and firmer varieties reached €6.3–7.0 per 2-kg box (27–30 PLN/box), equivalent to €3.2–3.5/kg.

A grower from Biała Rawska noted that about 75% of the market supply was lower-quality fruit, with only 25% being the firmer, higher-quality late varieties, which sold rapidly. The volume of strawberries available for wholesale and retail has continued to fall since the start of the week, and further reductions are expected as the season closes.

High temperatures have also affected picking and logistics, with many producers ending harvests earlier than usual. Some late varieties remain available, but yields and fruit size are expected to be impacted by the weather. The heat has caused rapid fruit softening and reduced shelf life, leading to selective buyer demand focused on quality and firmness.

The presence of insect pests such as Lygus rugulipennis has further reduced marketable yields on some plantations, as damaged fruit is unsellable. Meanwhile, consumer demand at retail is split, with price-sensitive buyers selecting cheaper, lower-quality fruit and younger consumers opting for premium strawberries despite higher prices.

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