GLOBAL MARKET REVIEW WITH DR GODWIN OYEFESO (STRAWBERRIES)
Spain: Huelva strawberry production declines as prices rise
Until March, the volume of Huelva strawberries sold this season was lower than during the same period last year. However, following the end of the rains, harvest volumes surged in the first half of April, as the plants reached their peak production for the season.
In the third week of April, the volume of strawberries sold experienced a sharp decline compared to the previous week, estimated at around 35%. Since then, production has continued to decrease, according to the Andalusian Regional Government. Officials noted, “In this last week, the volume sold has continued to decline significantly. After three consecutive seasons of declining production, everything indicates that the current season will be the fourth consecutive year of reduced marketed production.”
At the same time, strawberry prices at the source have shown an upward trend due to reduced supply. Specifically, in week 16, prices increased by approximately 5.6% compared to the previous week. Moreover, the weekly price was significantly higher (+24%) than the average for the last five seasons.
Switzerland: Strawberry season gains momentum despite weather challenges
Switzerland’s strawberry season is gaining momentum, though recent cold weather has slowed ripening. In Austria, a hailstorm in Burgenland has severely damaged strawberry crops, raising concerns among growers.
The Swiss strawberry season is gradually gaining momentum, with 22 tonnes harvested in the week following Easter. During the peak harvest period, from May 19 to June 14, around 1,000 tonnes are expected to be harvested each week. The Swiss Fruit Association anticipates a total harvest of 7,500 tonnes this season, with quality reported as excellent so far.
However, a cold and wet spell in week 19, with maximum temperatures around 10°C, has temporarily slowed the ripening process. A spokesperson for Tobi Seeobst AG, one of Switzerland’s largest fruit cooperatives, commented, “This will significantly halt the current ripening process until the nice weather sets in again, probably at the end of this week.”
Despite this setback, prospects for the season remain positive. “We can generally look forward to a good strawberry harvest, provided the weather cooperates in the coming weeks. Our harvest peak is expected in weeks 21 to 22,” the spokesperson added.
Swiss strawberry growers are hoping for favorable weather in the coming weeks to ensure the predicted high-quality yield is achieved.
Austria: Hailstorm damages strawberry crops in Burgenland
A hailstorm in week 18 caused extensive damage in parts of Burgenland, leaving farmers concerned about their harvests. Fruit grower Adolf Nikles from Kukmirn expressed his frustration, noting that the early hail came as a complete surprise. “It’s becoming increasingly difficult to produce in the open field with early hailstorms on May 3 or 4,” Nikles stated. His strawberry crops were particularly affected, with 80 to 90 percent of the early varieties destroyed. The first fruits, which were expected to be harvested next week, will likely not be available.
While local strawberry production in Burgenland has suffered, the Vienna wholesale market is currently dominated by strawberries from Belgium and Spain. Italian strawberries are also widely available in supermarkets, offering an alternative supply for consumers.
Netherlands: Strawberry prices struggle ahead of Mother’s Day
The Netherlands has seen unexpectedly low strawberry prices ahead of Mother’s Day, despite strong production from both domestic and German suppliers. In the United Kingdom, favorable weather has boosted optimism for the strawberry season, with consistent quality reported.
In the Netherlands, strawberry prices typically rise in the week leading up to Mother’s Day. However, this year has been an exception, with prices remaining unexpectedly low, according to fruit traders. “This week, clock prices have hovered around €1.70 to €1.80 per kilogram. Although retail programs are in place, prices are surprisingly low due to an abundant supply,” traders reported.
The warm weather has accelerated the ripening process, leading to an earlier harvest than usual. Even tunnel-grown strawberries, which typically appear later in the season, are arriving sooner this year. Additionally, German strawberry production is off to a strong start, further increasing market supply and putting downward pressure on prices.