The European berry market continues to demonstrate resilience and growth, with Southern European supply increasing and trading activity intensifying. As buyers prepare for peak consumption periods in the coming months, market dynamics show interesting developments across strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. This report analyzes current market conditions, price trends, and forecasts for the European berry sector.
Strawberry Market Analysis
Spain remains Europe's dominant strawberry exporter, though recent weather challenges have affected production. Spanish strawberries in Central European markets have stabilized at lower prices compared to early season rates. In Germany, Spanish Class 1 strawberries were priced at €8.83/kg in Berlin during Week 12, with Munich prices ranging from €3.45-€6.18/500g. The Fortuna variety continues to dominate exports, priced between €2.95-€5.41/kg in domestic Spanish markets.
Greek Strawberry Market
Greek strawberry production is recovering from March's abrupt temperature drops that severely disrupted yields. The sector anticipates production normalization through April, with Victory plantations projected to yield 1.4 tons per hectare this month. The Arwen variety has demonstrated impressive cold resistance during recent weather challenges, yielding 1.5-2 tons per hectare, prompting many producers to replace portions of their Victory and Fortuna plantations with this more resilient variety.
Despite production difficulties, Greek strawberry exports have shown resilience with a modest 0.4% increase, reaching 33,100 tons through late March 2025. Pricing has been lower than expected, falling from the season's opening rate of €10/kg to between €3.80-4.00/kg by mid-February, below last year's average despite general European supply shortages.
Italian and Serbian Strawberries
Italy's premium Sabrosa-Candonga variety maintains its reputation for exceptional quality, commanding higher prices across Europe. In northern Italy, these strawberries were priced at approximately €2.91/kg in Week 12. Serbian strawberries, particularly the greenhouse-grown PIR5 variety, continue offering competitive pricing (€2.78-€4.20/kg wholesale) while delivering quality comparable to Western European producers.
French Market
French-grown Gariguette and Ciflorette varieties continue dominating local markets with premium pricing (€22-26/kg in Week 12) due to their distinctive flavor profiles. At the Rungis wholesale market, Spanish imports were available at €2.70/kg in Week 12, reflecting the price gap between imported and domestic varieties.
Other Berry Markets
Raspberries
Portuguese raspberries remain high-priced due to limited harvest volumes, while Moroccan supplies continue meeting steady demand. Spanish raspberries are expected to re-enter the market in Week 15, potentially shifting market dynamics and pricing. This transition period between southern suppliers is creating some supply tension in premium markets.
Blueberries
Demand for blueberries remains strong, particularly in the premium segment. As shipments from Peru and Chile gradually decline, fresh Spanish blueberries are entering the market to maintain supply. Price stability is expected as this transition progresses, though some temporary supply gaps may occur in certain markets.
Blackberries and Currants
Blackberry availability remains stable, primarily sourced from Spain and Mexico, with steady pricing. Red currants continue as a niche product with consistent demand despite seasonal fluctuations. The coming weeks will be crucial as new European harvests begin to enter the market.
Market Challenges and Drivers
The European berry market faces multiple challenges affecting production and distribution channels. Weather disruptions have significantly impacted production in major growing regions, with Spanish persistent rainfall reportedly destroying greenhouses and hampering normal output levels. Simultaneously, Greek production is gradually recovering from March's temperature fluctuations that severely affected early-season yields. On the regulatory front, Bulgarian legislation potentially requiring 50% of store products to be of Bulgarian origin presents a significant market access challenge for Greek exporters looking to maintain their position in regional markets. Consumer preferences continue shifting toward sustainable and locally-grown produce, creating a competitive advantage for greenhouse-grown Dutch varieties in Northern European markets where environmental concerns increasingly influence purchasing decisions. Additionally, fluctuating energy prices continue affecting storage costs and production economics throughout the supply chain, putting pressure on producers' margins despite relatively stable retail pricing.
Market Forecast
In the coming weeks, price volatility is expected as the market adjusts to early spring production, with increased promotional activity as domestic berries become widely available. Weather conditions remain critical, particularly frost risks, while the gap between winter imports and spring harvests may create temporary shortages. Consumer spending patterns amid easing inflation will impact purchasing volumes, especially for premium varieties with distinctive flavor profiles that continue gaining market share. Despite challenges, the European berries market outlook remains positive, positioned for growth driven by health consciousness, convenience, and quality-seeking behaviors. The market should achieve better balance as April progresses, with producers maximizing supply while recovering from recent disruptions.
References
https://www.agroberichtenbuitenland.nl/actueel/nieuws/2025/03/28/serbia-cold-snap
https://www.ecb.europa.eu/pub/pdf/ecbu/eb202501.en.pdf
https://www.bmel-statistik.de/preise/obst-und-gemuese
https://rnm.franceagrimer.fr/prix?SAINOMPRODUIT
https://www.ot.gr/2025/04/01/english-edition/greek-fruit-and-vegetable-exports-surge/
https://www.hortidaily.com/article/9700126/greece-strawberry-prices-are-lower-than-expected/
https://www.fresh-market.info/fruitsandvegetables
https://blueberriesconsulting.com/en/
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