GLOBAL MARKET REVIEW WITH DR GODWIN OYEFESO (STRAWBERRIES)
The global strawberry market is experiencing varied conditions across key producing regions. While some countries are seeing strong production and stable demand, others face challenges such as weather disruptions, market competition, and shifting consumer preferences. As the season progresses, growers are adapting to changing conditions to maintain supply and meet demand.
Italy: Strawberry market active amid regional supply variations
In Italy, the strawberry market is active in early May, driven by rising temperatures, while Sicily ensures a steady supply with staggered plantings. In France, the strawberry campaign has reached its peak, with production and sales remaining strong despite competition from Spanish imports.
The strawberry market is experiencing strong activity in early May, driven by rising temperatures. According to a leading trader in northern Italy, another key factor is the limited volume of strawberry exports from Spain to Italy at this time, coupled with decreasing supplies from southern Italy. Currently, production is concentrated in northern Italy, particularly in Veneto and Emilia-Romagna. While Emilia-Romagna has lower production volumes, the quality remains high. In early May, strawberry prices were around €1.80 per 500-gram basket in Verona and €2.10 per basket in Romagna.
A Sicilian producer reports that the strawberry season began in November and will conclude in May. Production has been consistent, with no reported issues such as plant diseases. The farm ensures a continuous supply for seven months through staggered plantings of early and late varieties. Marketing schedules are established in February each year. The farm produces strawberries organically and exports to Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. The average price for the season has been €3.50 per kilogram, but it has recently decreased to €2.50 per kilogram. Standard packaging consists of 30×40 cm cardboard boxes containing 250-gram R-Pet trays, with the main varieties being Fortuna, Savana, and Marimbella.
In Basilicata, the strawberry season is 70-80% complete, depending on the varieties planted. Harvesting will continue until the end of May, despite the season’s delayed start. Prices remain favorable for premium-quality varieties with good shelf life, while other varieties continue to maintain acceptable prices. This season has been marked by low yields and unfavorable weather conditions. Although there is currently a deficit in supply, availability is expected to improve around May 20 as weather conditions stabilize. Typically, May sees stable prices, partly due to the gradual reduction of imported strawberries, which have not reached significant volumes this year.