Warsaw and Bronisze: Strawberry Supply Drops, Retail Prices Up to €5.8/kg After Heatwave

Polish strawberry supply has sharply decreased at the end of June due to an ongoing heatwave, with retail prices in Warsaw reaching €3.5–5.8/kg and the harvest finishing on most open-field plantations.

At Warsaw retail markets, strawberries were offered at €3.5–5.8/kg (15–25 PLN/kg) at the end of June 2026, but the selection was visibly smaller than for other fruits. Traders cited the ongoing heatwave and reduced buyer turnout as reasons for bringing less product to market. The drop in supply coincides with the end of the main strawberry harvest in Poland, as high temperatures have accelerated the close of the season for most open-field plantations.

At the Bronisze wholesale market near Warsaw, producers reported that the final batches of field-grown strawberries were being sold, with most growers finishing harvest due to extreme temperatures. The heatwave, with daytime perceived temperatures reaching up to 40°C in Warsaw, has caused significant fruit losses, including sunburn damage on the south-facing sides of berries in exposed fields.

Late varieties such as 'Malwina' are still being harvested in limited volumes, but the overall market supply is sharply reduced. On many plantations, the harvest has ended or will conclude in the coming days. Weather-related stress has also worsened underlying problems such as weak root systems, especially on lighter soils that suffered from frost damage in winter.

Consumer demand in Warsaw remains divided: older buyers focus on price and seek lower-cost fruit, while younger consumers are more willing to pay for premium quality. The rising awareness of fruit origin is noted among buyers, with many asking about Polish product authenticity. Direct farm sales and pick-your-own schemes continue but are limited by the short harvest window.

No significant import or export activity for strawberries was reported, as the Polish season winds down and supply is tight. Other berry fruits such as blueberries, gooseberries, and currants are becoming more prominent on the market as strawberries exit the peak season.

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