Original content
France's strawberry season is underway, with the Gariguette variety gradually entering the market, and larger volumes expected soon. The French strawberry industry has long focused on flavor as its primary differentiator, given that high production and labor costs make large-scale export competitiveness challenging. Instead of breeding for robustness and shelf life, as seen in Californian strawberry varieties that dominate international trade, French growers selectively cultivate varieties known for their superior taste. The key varieties like Ciflorette, Gariguette, Mara des Bois, and Charlotte are chosen based on their flavor profile rather than solely for high yield or durability. Breeding efforts prioritize traits such as natural sweetness, aroma, and texture while maintaining a balance with disease resistance and sufficient productivity for the domestic market. This approach has positioned French strawberries as a premium product, catering primarily to local consumers who value quality over mass production. The Invenio experimentation station in Nouvelle-Aquitaine plays a vital role in this process, utilizing molecular markers and blind tastings to refine selections. Strict quality controls on sugar content, color, and size ensure that French strawberries consistently meet consumer expectations.
Strawberry production in India's Satara district, particularly in Mahabaleshwar, Wai, and Jawali talukas, faces challenges due to extreme heat, with temperatures reaching 35 to 36 degrees Celsius (°C) throughout Feb-25. The intense heat is causing premature ripening, leading to bruising, reduced size, and weight loss, which affects taste and market value. Moreover, high temperatures disrupt flowering, with many blossoms withering before developing into fruit, further lowering yields. Farmers use protective nets to mitigate the impact, but overall production remains below expectations, leading to financial losses.
Strawberry production in Guanajuato, Mexico, has been severely impacted by climate change, pests, and frost, particularly in open-field crops covering approximately 4 thousand hectares (ha). The key growing regions such as Irapuato, Abasolo, Valle de Santiago, and Pénjamo face delays as fluctuating temperatures slow plant growth. While colder weather has helped control tropical pests, excessive frost has damaged crops, further reducing yields. These challenges may affect strawberry prices, with future trends largely dependent on weather conditions.
In Spain, adverse weather conditions have significantly impacted strawberry production in Huelva, the country’s main berry-growing region. Persistent rain and cloudy days have led to a 10 to 15% year-on-year (YoY) drop in volumes compared to last season, resulting in supply shortages in key European markets like France and Germany. With demand exceeding supply, strawberry prices have risen sharply, and the situation is expected to continue as ongoing rainfall slows production and affects fruit quality.
After eight years of negotiations, South Korea has finalized export quarantine agreements with Brazil, opening the Latin American market to Korean strawberries for the first time. As one of Korea’s top fresh agricultural exports, strawberries already see strong demand in Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand, with annual shipments reaching 4 thousand tons. To meet Brazil’s import requirements, cultivation greenhouses and line managers must register before planting and adhere to strict pest management protocols. This new export opportunity is expected to enhance the global reach of Korean strawberries and strengthen South Korea’s presence in international markets.
Strawberry prices in Mexico fell by 9.59% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.32 per kilogram (kg) in W10, representing a 9.97% month-on-month (MoM) decrease and a more significant 22.35% YoY decline. This price drop is primarily due to increased supply from peak-season harvests between Dec-24 and Feb-25, which has led to steady market inflows. While peak-season production is tapering off, supply remains sufficient to keep prices under pressure in the short term. However, recent challenges like climate change, pests, and frost have impacted open-field strawberry crops in key regions such as Irapuato, Abasolo, Valle de Santiago, and Pénjamo, potentially affecting future yields. Fluctuating temperatures have slowed growth, while excessive frost has damaged crops, which may influence prices. Additionally, new tariffs on Mexican imports have raised concerns about higher strawberry prices in the US, potentially squeezing retailer margins and increasing costs for consumers.
Spain's strawberry prices declined significantly by 14.05% WoW to USD 2.63/kg in W10, showing a 15.16% MoM decrease due to improving weather conditions in Huelva, which allowed for a gradual recovery in production. The easing of supply constraints led to increased market availability, putting downward pressure on prices. Additionally, lower purchasing activity from European buyers, following a period of high prices, contributed to the decline. However, YoY prices dropped by 6.91% due to persistent production challenges earlier in the season, including rain-related delays and reduced yields, which limited supply in key export markets and kept prices relatively elevated compared to historical trends.
In W10, US strawberry prices dropped significantly by 21.43% WoW to USD 3.63/kg, with a 30.46% MoM decline. This decrease was driven by increased supply from favorable weather conditions in key growing regions like California, which boosted yields and market availability. However, prices remain 20.20% higher YoY, driven by strong consumer demand and rising production costs, including labor and transportation expenses.
Egypt's strawberry prices increased slightly by 1.82% WoW to USD 0.56/kg in W10, showing a 19.15% MoM rise due to steady domestic demand and reduced supply as the peak harvest period winds down. However, YoY prices dropped by 11.11% due to weaker export demand from Europe, where buyers continue to favor Spanish and Moroccan strawberries, and improved local production from expanded greenhouse cultivation and efficient irrigation methods.
In Italy, strawberry prices increased by 7.38% WoW to USD 3.93/kg, with a 2.61% YoY increase due to reduced supply as peak production begins to slow and steady local demand supports market prices. However, prices dropped significantly by 36.41% YoY due to expanded cultivation areas, higher overall production volumes, and intensified competition from Spain and Portugal, where favorable weather conditions have boosted yields, increasing market pressure.
Strawberry farmers in Satara should expand the use of high-density shade nets and optimize drip irrigation to reduce heat stress and minimize crop losses. Shade nets can lower field temperatures and prevent premature ripening, while precise irrigation scheduling helps maintain soil moisture and supports healthy flowering.
Strawberry growers in Huelva should improve field drainage systems and expand greenhouse cultivation to mitigate weather-related losses. Proper drainage prevents waterlogging and root damage, while greenhouse production offers better climate control, ensuring stable yields and consistent fruit quality despite adverse weather.
Strawberry growers in Guanajuato should implement frost protection measures such as row covers and irrigation techniques to prevent crop damage. Expanding integrated pest management with biological controls and resistant varieties will help mitigate pest risks while maintaining yields.
Sources: Tridge, Agrodiariohuelva, Free Press Journal, Freshplaza, MBN, Oem
Read more relevant content
Recommended suppliers for you
What to read next
