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The Greek strawberry season for the 2024/25 season started in early Dec-24 but was disrupted. Low nighttime temperatures of -2°C damaged crops, while cloudy weather slowed plant growth, which led to a halt in production. While these conditions delayed production, they may have prevented market losses as local demand remained weak and European markets were saturated with Egyptian strawberries. Growers anticipate a strong supply recovery, with production expected to resume strongly in W1.
Prices of fresh strawberries in Egypt dropped significantly from USD 984.77 per ton (EGP 50,000/ton) in Dec-24 to USD 689.34/ton (EGP 35,000/ton) in Jan-25. The decline was driven by weak export demand and a surplus in the local market, which caused stockpiles to grow and exerted downward pressure on prices.
Unseasonal cold temperatures in Mahabaleshwar, India, have led to a 60 to 70% drop in strawberry harvests. With temperatures dropping to 5 to 6°C near Venna Lake, the ripening process is disrupted, and plants risk dormancy. Strawberries typically thrive between 15 and 20°C, but frost and a cold spell have stunted growth. Farmers are concerned that these conditions could delay or reduce future harvests, threatening the region’s prized strawberry production.
The Qassim region in Saudi Arabia has become a leader in strawberry cultivation by adopting innovative farming practices to reduce reliance on imports. Farmers utilize advanced hydroponic systems in greenhouses, with vertical towers and volcanic rock to optimize space and resources. This method increases plant density and production while supporting clean, organic practices. The region’s focus on safety and quality strengthens local food security and lays the groundwork for expanding strawberry production.
Florida’s strawberry industry is teaming up with plant-breeding startup Ohalo and the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) to fight Neopestalotiopsis. This fungal disease has been affecting crops since 2017. Ohalo has developed disease-resistant strawberry varieties using genetic resources from UF/IFAS, with experimental trials set for this year. This partnership aims to provide Florida growers with resilient plants, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the state's strawberry production.
Strawberry prices in Mexico dropped by 8.49% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 2.48 per kilogram (kg) in W1, reflecting an 11.43% month-on-month (MoM) drop. The price drop is due to improved supply conditions following favorable weather, which supported higher harvest volumes and alleviated previous supply constraints. Additionally, a slight reduction in export demand contributed to the lower prices. However, year-on-year (YoY) prices increased by 7.83% due to a recovery from the oversupply issues of the previous year, coupled with stronger demand during the holiday season, which helped sustain higher price levels compared to last year.
In the United States (US), strawberry prices dropped by 12.38% WoW to USD 4.67/kg in W1, reflecting a 22.68% MoM and 32.02% YoY drop due to the continued oversupply from the peak of the Florida strawberry season, which increased market availability. This price decline is attributed to the surplus of strawberries in the market, alongside the impact of earlier challenges such as the Neopestalotiopsis disease, which led to higher production costs and reduced yields in the past year. Despite the decline, efforts to develop disease-resistant strawberry varieties, set for trials in 2025, are expected to improve long-term production stability and support future price recovery.
Italy's strawberry prices increased slightly by 0.11% WoW to USD 9.37/kg in W1, with a 27.31% MoM and 14.13% YoY increase due to the consistently high demand following the holiday season, which kept market prices firm. The early phase of 2025 often sees a seasonal dip in supply as the autumn harvests have already concluded, resulting in tighter availability. This limited supply and more substantial consumer interest in fresh strawberries post-holidays contributed to the moderate price increase. YoY prices were also supported by a recovery from the lower price levels seen in 2024. During that time, the market experienced more substantial production and increased supply, which led to a drop in prices.
Farmers in Mahabaleshwar should implement protective measures, such as frost covers or windbreaks, to shield strawberry crops from unseasonal cold temperatures and prevent dormancy. Investing in greenhouse structures or tunnels could help regulate temperature fluctuations and ensure more consistent growth conditions. Additionally, enhancing irrigation practices and soil management will help the plants recover from the cold stress. By adopting these techniques, farmers can safeguard future harvests and minimize yield losses due to the harsh climate.
To stabilize strawberry prices, Egyptian exporters should explore new markets and diversify their export channels, such as targeting emerging markets in Asia and the Middle East, where demand for fresh produce is increasing. Additionally, they can establish direct partnerships with large retailers in Europe and North America. Expanding into niche markets, such as organic or specialty produce, could also present new opportunities. Local farmers should improve product quality to meet market demands and establish stronger partnerships with international buyers. Meanwhile, improved inventory management, such as controlled storage and timely distribution, can help manage a surplus in the local market and prevent excess stock from affecting pricing.
Sources: Tridge, Agriculturedive, Hortidaily, Maeil Business Newspaper, My Pune Pulse, Saudi Press Agency
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