2025 brought good quality harvests for open-field vegetable growers

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In the industrial vegetable sector, contracts were concluded quickly, partly due to the uncertainty of grain and oilseed production. In the case of green peas, the contract price between 130–180 HUF/kg ensured stable, although not outstanding, profitability with a yield of 6–8 t/ha. Sweet corn was produced at a base price of about 70 HUF/kg, with an average yield of 17–20 t/ha, while the processing market continues to be influenced by cheap imports from the Far East. Industrial tomatoes achieved an average yield of over 80 t/ha and an internal content value of over 5.5% with a base price of 44 HUF/kg; the quality premium could exceed 15% of the base price, so this sector had a particularly good year. For open-field peppers – capsicum, pritamin and jalapeño – favourable vegetation conditions developed following the cool spring, and yields of between 50 and 80 t/ha were achieved. In the case of spicy peppers, a crop of around 20 t/ha was realised, and the demand for the processing industry remained stable. In contrast, the fresh market segment came under severe price pressure, which was reinforced by the business policy of retail chains and cheap imports. The carrot market saw a sales decline of up to 50–80%, with significant unsold stocks, mainly due to Italian imports. In the case of root parsley and beetroot, the yield was adequate, but consumption remained weak. Red onions were placed on the market with a yield of 60–80 t/ha, at a producer price of around 0.15 euros/kg, but the Slovak and Dutch market effects pose a risk. As a result of the slide due to spring frosts, a market collapse occurred in July for melons, with prices of 50–60 HUF/kg. The cultivation of brassicas continues to take place in a phased system, and producers are trying to stabilize their market positions with closed sales communities. Overall, 2025 was a climatically favorable year: it was characterized by few hot days, balanced vegetation and good quality crops. However, profitability was significantly worsened – especially in the fresh market – by import pressure and retail price competition, so the favorable growing conditions were not combined with adequate profits in all sectors.

FruitVeb