The course of the weather so far has favored the ripening of strawberries. Although the harvest is delayed, it should not be worse than in previous years, which means at the level of 170,000-180,000 tons.
That is the estimation of Bożena Nosecka from the Institute of Agricultural and Food Economics. So far, the weather is favorable, the strawberries are hydrated, and high temperatures will accelerate the ripening and pouring of fruit, the expert explained. In her opinion, this year’s harvest should stay at the level from previous years. In 2020, the harvest of these fruits amounted to 170,000 tons, and in 2019 – 175,000 tons. Although ultimately its amount will depend on the weather.
Processing
This year, there is a great demand for strawberries from the processing industry. There are practically no stocks, because last year the quality of these fruits was poor – she emphasized. Processing plants have already started buying strawberries. For now, fruit is being bought for pressing, strawberries are offered at PLN 2.1-2.3 / kg (last year they paid 2.5 PLN / kg of strawberries at the beginning of the purchase). Purchase of strawberries intended for freezing, i.e. without stalks, should start at any moment. Such fruits are more expensive, the grower can get 3.4-3.8 PLN / kg for them, which is more or less the same as last year – informed Nosecka.
Fruit prices are influenced, among others, by harvest costs, seasonal workers are demanding higher and higher wages. At the wholesale market in Bronisze (close to Warsaw), strawberries are now traded at night, and there is no more fruit in the morning. If the approaching heat causes the strawberries to spill, their quality may deteriorate due to the temperature.
The research carried out last year by the Kantar company shows that Poles do not wait for any other seasonal product as much – as for strawberries. Two thirds of respondents (65%) mentioned them in the first place.
The strawberry season generally lasts until mid-July. Several dozen varieties of these fruits are grown in Poland. The largest cultivation areas are located in the Mazowieckie Voivodeship (over 1/3 of the national strawberry cultivation area). Lubelskie and Świętokrzyskie voivodships also belong to the area with intensive cultivation of these fruits.
For more information: agroberichtenbuitenland.nl