Excellent Strawberry Harvest Expected in Hungary This Year

By: Trademagazin Date: 2024. 05. 10. 12:07

Béla Mártonffy, the President of the National Chamber of Agricultural Economics’ Horticulture and Supply Industry Section, announced on InfoRadio that Hungary anticipates an excellent strawberry harvest this year. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, both heated and cold foil strawberry seasons started early, and open-field harvesting has also begun.

Strawberries are cultivated on approximately 600-650 hectares across Hungary, mainly in Baranya, Bács-Kiskun, and Pest counties, with an annual production of about 6-7 thousand tons. This weekend also marks the start of the popular “Pick Your Own” campaigns, allowing individuals to harvest their strawberries directly from the fields.

Mártonffy expressed optimism about the quality and affordability of this season’s strawberries, noting that initial high prices are expected to decrease as the season progresses, making the fruit more accessible for fresh consumption and preserving.

The strawberry season in Hungary runs until early to mid-June. Hungarian strawberries are particularly prized for their high vitamin C and antioxidant content. The slight increase in cultivation areas is providing early season revenue for farmers, fitting well into their production structure.

Despite potential benefits from climatic changes, such as warmer and drier periods advancing the growing season, sudden weather fluctuations like storms or cool, rainy periods can damage the crop. Consumers are advised to pay attention to the origin labels in markets and stores, as regulatory bodies regularly inspect imported goods, which often arrive not fully ripe. As the season advances, fully ripened local strawberries will become more prevalent in the market.