Cold May 2025 Drives Up Soft Fruit Prices – A Comparison with May 2024
Spring Frosts Devastate Crops
This year's exceptionally cold May has had a significant impact on the Polish soft fruit market. Strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries have all seen price increases due to frost damage, which has reduced harvest volumes and delayed the season's start.
In May 2025, many regions of Poland experienced ground frosts, with temperatures dropping as low as -4°C. These harsh weather conditions severely affected soft fruit plantations, damaging blossoms and young fruit. As a result, the harvest is not only delayed but also noticeably smaller than in previous years.
Strawberry Prices – Up to €4.40/kg
Wholesale strawberry prices in the second half of May 2025 ranged between PLN 10.00–20.00/kg, which is approximately €2.20–€4.40/kg depending on the region. For example:
• Bronisze Market: PLN 10.00–20.00/kg (approx. €2.20–€4.40/kg)
• Kalisz Market: around PLN 11.00/kg (approx. €2.45/kg)
Compared to May 2024, prices have increased significantly due to lower supply.
Raspberries – A Luxury Product
Raspberry prices have soared to exceptional levels. In early May 2025, wholesale prices reached PLN 60.00–90.00/kg, or approximately €13.30–€20.00/kg on markets such as Bronisze.
In retail stores, the prices were also steep. For instance:
• Biedronka (supermarket chain): PLN 9.99 for 125g of fresh Polish raspberries – which translates to around PLN 80.00/kg, or approximately €17.80/kg.
Outlook for the Season
As more domestic fruit begins to enter the market, prices are starting to decline slightly. However, experts predict that prices will remain higher than in previous years throughout the season. The main drivers are not only reduced yields but also rising production, labor, and energy costs.
Conclusion
May 2025 will be remembered as one of the most challenging months for Polish soft fruit growers. The consequences of the frosts are already evident on store shelves – and consumers
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