European and global strawberry market: a nuanced picture, with different prospects per region

In Italy, the season started vigorously at the beginning of May: production is concentrated in Northern Italy, mainly in the Veneto and Emilia-Romagna regions. Although the yield is not optimal everywhere, the quality is outstanding. In Verona, the market started with prices of 1.8 euros per kilo and in Romagna with 2.1 euros per kilo. In Sicily, picking has been going on since November: thanks to staggered planting, continuous supply was ensured for seven months, mainly with the Fortunteka, Savana and Marimbella varieties.

In France, demand was strong despite price competition from Spanish imports, while in Germany, the cool spring weather reduced consumption. In Spain, prices are rising due to a decrease in supply. In Austria, especially in Burgenland, hailstorms have caused serious damage to plantations, which is causing concern among producers.

In the Netherlands, lower than expected prices dominate the market, while in South Africa prices are high, but demand is stable. In Egypt, due to the decrease in fresh market prices, more and more producers are switching to frozen strawberries. In Morocco, strawberry production has fallen dramatically: many farmers are switching to other crops due to the unpredictable nature of the market and competitiveness problems.

In Basilicata, yields were poor, and the weather was not conducive to the season, but the harvest lasted until the end of May. The prices of premium varieties remain high, while the prices of other varieties have stabilized, partly due to the gradual decline in Spanish imports.