Raspberry cultivation is rising across the Northern Hemisphere to meet summer demand. Germany’s season started early with good yield and quality prospects, though prices vary regionally. Switzerland’s domestic raspberry promotions are starting soon, aiming to supply the eager local market over the next five weeks. Italy harvests raspberries almost year-round, with summer bringing abundant production and lower prices. The Netherlands has high initial prices for their robust, high-quality raspberries, while Spain is losing market share to Morocco, resulting in decreased surface area and exports. In Portugal, raspberries are the leading red fruit.
Serbia is experiencing reduced raspberry harvest and export volumes this season, accompanied by higher prices due to adverse weather conditions leading up to the harvesting period. In contrast, Ukraine anticipates a near-normal raspberry harvest season with good fruit quality, despite challenges from ongoing conflict and electricity supply issues. Polish growers are voicing discontent over low purchase prices that have remained stagnant for two decades. They are planning protests to block local processing plants and are urging governmental intervention to manage the influx of raspberries from Ukraine, which they argue is oversaturating the Polish market.
In North America, new raspberry varieties are boosting consumption. Supply remains stable with significant volumes arriving from Central Mexico and Baja Mexico. The Watsonville, California season is currently underway, contributing robust production levels from the region. South Africa maintains a minimal raspberry cultivation area, yet managed to export 1,228 tonnes to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the UK despite this limited production. Raspberry remains a niche fruit in China, with a constrained market presence.
Germany: Early Season Start The raspberry harvest in Germany is well underway, beginning with open field harvesting in northern regions in week 25. Yield and quality prospects are favorable, though prices vary considerably across different regions. Tunnel cultivation allows for raspberries to be produced as both summer and autumn crops on many farms. As summer progresses, imported goods from the Balkan countries diminish from the market, giving way to an increase in domestic autumn harvest volumes.
Switzerland: Early Promotions for Domestic Berries In Switzerland, this year’s berry harvest has begun early, with expectations set at 2,165 tonnes of raspberries. Production levels are projected to remain high over the next five weeks, ensuring ample supply of Swiss raspberries in the market. The demand for early Swiss berries is strong, with initial promotions for raspberries anticipated by the end of June. Strawberry prices are slightly higher than last year, and a modest increase in raspberry prices is also anticipated.
Italy’s raspberry production spans nearly 10 months, covering diverse regions including mountainous areas, resulting in varying seasonal prices. Unusually hot weather in Sicily delayed the raspberry harvest last year, starting post-Christmas with slower production progression and a yield decrease of 15-20%. Despite these challenges, prices on the Verona market averaged €8.30/kg, marking a 30% increase from previous years amid strong demand and improved quality.
In Basilicata, a positive season saw raspberry sales from October to early June, with suspended summer sales due to lower prices. High production quality and frost-free weather contributed to satisfactory results, though labor shortages limited expansion. Emilia Romagna reported abundant production and high prices from mid-April to early June, while in South Tyrol, cultivation in protected tunnels sustains favorable pricing until October.
Netherlands: Strong Start and Market Dynamics The Dutch raspberry season commenced with robust, high-quality fruits commanding elevated prices, benefiting local growers. Market dynamics contrast with a stable Moroccan season, where the Adelita variety’s quality dictates post-week 18/19 continuation decisions. Portugal faced reduced volumes but maintained higher prices relative to other regions, while Spain struggled with water shortages and subpar early-season quality, impacting market competitiveness against Morocco.
Serbia: Reduced Harvest and Higher Prices Serbia experienced diminished raspberry harvest and exports this season due to adverse weather conditions, with IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) fruit comprising 40-50% of yields, influencing prices to rise by €1-2/kg compared to the previous year.
Ukraine: Normal Harvest Expected Amid Challenges Despite challenges including war and electricity shortages, Ukraine anticipates a near-normal raspberry harvest with good fruit quality. Early season frost damage affected production, prompting an earlier start compared to last year. The focus remains on exporting mainly frozen raspberries to Poland, as prices show an upward trend due to market demand.
Poland: Growers Demand Action Over Low Prices Polish raspberry growers face significant challenges this season, including frost and drought leading to substantial crop losses. Despite increased production costs, purchase prices have stagnated for two decades. Growers are mobilizing to block local processing plants, urging government intervention to regulate Ukrainian raspberry imports, which they argue are flooding the market.
Spain: Declining Acreage and Export Impact Spain’s raspberry sector continues to shrink, particularly in Huelva, where acreage has declined to 1,380 hectares for the 2023/24 season, down from 2,500 hectares in recent years. This decline has paralleled a 26% drop in export volume and a 7% decrease in export value from the previous campaign. Morocco’s rise as a competitor, exacerbated by local weather challenges, has further strained Spain’s market position.
Portugal: Raspberries Emerge as Key Export Portugal’s raspberry sector has surged, with raspberries now dominating the country’s berry exports, accounting for 70% of the sector’s value. Over the past five years, the export value of red fruits, including raspberries, has grown by 26%. Producers in regions like Algarve are increasingly favoring raspberries over strawberries due to profitability concerns.
France: Market Dynamics and Price Trends The raspberry market in France, Spain, and Portugal remains dynamic with steady demand, buoyed by improving weather conditions. Increased supplies have led to slight price decreases in certain sectors, although eastern France reports rising volumes. Operators are closely monitoring Portuguese production dynamics as they anticipate market adjustments.
North America: Steady Supply Amid Consumption Rise In North America, new raspberry varieties are boosting consumer interest, contributing to a steady supply from Central and Baja Mexico. The Watsonville, California season is strong, with peak volumes expected around July-August, aligning with high consumption periods such as the 4th of July holiday. Consumer focus on health-conscious diets continues to drive raspberry consumption growth.
South Africa: Limited Raspberry Industry South Africa’s raspberry industry remains small, covering just 131 hectares. Limited plant material availability necessitates imports, despite good export opportunities to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and the UK. The production window spans November to May, with exports beginning in February.
China: Niche Market Development Raspberries remain a niche market in China, with limited cultivation primarily in Henan province. The industry, which began expanding in 1990, has since gained recognition for processed raspberries exported to countries including the United States, Denmark, and Russia.
