The transition of the raspberry season from summer to everbearing varieties in EastFruit countries is nearing completion. Despite this transition, raspberry farmers are still grappling with disappointing prices across the board.
The decline in raspberry prices had become evident even before the start of the current season. By late June, this crisis reached its peak, with prices plummeting to less than fifty cents per kilogram. This situation prompted calls for boycotting processors and appeals to restrict imports.
Anticipation was high among market participants that the conclusion of the summer varieties would lead to a price rebound. Regrettably, such an improvement has yet to materialize. In Poland, prices for frozen raspberries continue to hover between $0.93 and $1.03 per kilogram, merely a third of the previous year’s rates. In exceptional cases, Polish growers might secure $1.23 per kilogram for their premium raspberries, which still falls significantly short of the prior year’s figures.
In Ukraine, minimum prices remain under fifty cents per kilogram ($0.46/kg). However, the price range is notably broad, stretching up to $0.81/kg and even $0.94/kg. Numerous variables influence this range, encompassing shipment volume, consistency, berry quality, and variety. Processor strategies for their final products can also sway prices, with distinctions in product quality being detailed in a separate report.
Meanwhile, other regions in the project have successfully transitioned to everbearing raspberry varieties, resulting in a somewhat improved price scenario. In Georgia, current raspberry prices average around $3.40 per kilogram, marking the highest levels in recent years. A similar positive situation prevails in Uzbekistan, where prices have maintained their record peak at $2.59/kg.
Tajikistan has just initiated its everbearing raspberry season, with prices averaging $2.50/kg this week—again, the highest level in recent years. Raspberries are projected to be accessible in the Tajik market until late October. Initial supply constraints might lead to eventual price reductions. This dynamic presents intriguing prospects for local processors, especially considering that frozen raspberry consumers in Central Asia are still predominantly reliant on imports.
