Poland is the largest producer of currants, gooseberries, raspberries and the second largest producer of strawberries in the EU. With a share of over 50%, Poland is an important EU producer of frozen fruit and soft fruit concentrated juices. Poland is the world's largest producer of currants and gooseberries, and in recent years also raspberries and the fourth in the world in apple production and fifth in strawberry production. Poland is one of the largest producers of frozen fruit and concentrated juices made of soft fruits. A snow-free and warm winter, an extremely dry and cool spring, a difficult summer with torrential rains - these are just some of the factors that influenced this year's production not only of strawberries, but of all berries. The Polish Statistical Office estimates the level of domestic production at 160,000 tons which is approx. 10% less than in the previous season. The purchase price for industrial strawberries was 2% lower than last season. This year's rates were influenced, among others, by poor quality of the purchased raw material. Dessert strawberry The demand for dessert strawberry is growing slightly faster than supply, which results in slight increases in market rates. Great interest in domestic strawberries on the part of consumers meant that part of the crop that was originally intended to supply plants was directed to the fresh market. This, combined with the unfavourable course of the weather, resulted in the purchase of insufficient amounts of raw material by processing plants. This year was not bad for industrial strawberry producers, but it was also not successful, with less production and lower prices. On the other hand, the vision of growing strawberries for the dessert market is becoming more and more attractive. In this area, there is a stabilization at good price levels, and even increases are noticeable. The demand is also constantly growing. Modern technologies in production under cover are being implemented, combined with precise fertilization and modern crop protection, often based more and more on biological solutions. Therefore, the industrial strawberry production sector in Poland will gradually decrease and the dessert market will continue to develop. Cultivation under covers allows for a constant supply of strawberries to consumers until the fall months. There are more such strawberries on the market every year, but the high rates prove that it finds buyers. Its share in the total production of strawberries, although insignificant at present, is likely to grow. Source - https://www.freshplaza.com