Hungarian raspberry production decreased, imports increased

In 2022, raspberries were cultivated on only 101 hectares in Hungary, which represents a dramatic decrease compared to the 1980s, when nearly seven thousand hectares were still cultivated. The amount of the annual crop has been between 460-540 tons in recent years, which is also a significant drop compared to the 25-30 thousand tons of the 1980s.

The main reasons for the decline in domestic raspberry production are the following:

Water and Labor Requirements: Growing raspberries requires a lot of manual labor and a consistent water supply, which is a serious challenge due to the current labor shortage and the need for irrigation.

Climate change: Raspberries require a cooler, more balanced climate, and an increasingly warm climate has an adverse effect on cultivation. In Hungary, only a few regions, such as Nógrád, Vas-Zala, Somogy, and the areas of northern Hungary, have the necessary conditions for production.

The Hungarian market’s demand for fresh raspberries is increasingly met by imports. According to data from the Central Statistical Office (KSH), the import of fresh raspberries decreased by 13 percent in 2022, but increased by 116 percent in the first five months of 2023 compared to the same period of the previous year. Most fresh raspberries come from Spain.