1. Weekly News

Egypt

Egypt Shifts to Frozen Strawberry Production Due to Strong Global Demand and Rising Costs in 2024/25 Season

Egypt’s fresh strawberry season ended in early March, transitioning into the frozen strawberry campaign. The 2024/25 season saw strong international demand, particularly from Nov-24 to Dec-25, with peak exports targeting European, Arab, and Asian markets. While long-term contracts with Europe and the United Kingdom (UK) ensured steady shipments, prices remained insufficient to offset rising production and shipping costs. After Dec-25, European demand declined sharply, but interest from Gulf, Asian, and African markets remained stable. In response, exporters shifted focus to frozen strawberry production, which continues through May to meet sustained global demand from the food and beverage industry.

India

India’s Strawberry Capital Faces Sharp Production Decline

India's leading strawberry-producing region, Mahabaleshwar, is facing its worst season in five to six years due to mild winter, early summer, and an escalating water crisis. With temperatures surpassing 30 degrees Celsius (°C) as early as Mar-25 and declining water levels in Venna Lake, strawberry yields have dropped by an estimated 40%, averaging just 5 to 6 metric tons (mt) per acre. The adverse weather conditions have also resulted in poor fruit quality, including sunburn and sunspots, causing many growers to abandon their fields. Traditionally supplying strawberries until mid-Apr-25, the region is now struggling to meet market demand under these challenging circumstances.

Spain

Heavy Rainfall Damages Strawberry Crops in Spain Despite Easing Drought

In Spain, while the Mar-25 rainfall, 143% above normal, has alleviated drought conditions and improved water reserves in key irrigation areas, it has also caused significant damage to strawberry cultivation in the Huelva region. Excessive humidity from 25 consecutive days of rain led to considerable crop losses. Price increases were unable to offset the damage. Additionally, strong winds destroyed over 200 hectares (ha) of greenhouses, while regions like Murcia and Andalusia faced flooding and harsh weather, severely impacting outdoor and greenhouse horticultural production, including strawberries.

Huelva Advances Strawberry Innovation with Florida Varieties

Spain’s Huelva region is strengthening its position as a leader in early-season strawberry production through a partnership with the University of Florida’s advanced breeding program. Over 500 strawberry varieties, including promising red and premium white selections, are being tested in Huelva under local growing conditions. These trials focus on identifying varieties with superior earliness, high productivity, large fruit size, high Brix, and long shelf life. Varieties like Felicity, Fortuna, and newer introductions such as Encore and Ember are showing strong early performance, while white strawberries, particularly Florida Pearl, are gaining market interest. With its favorable climate and cutting-edge greenhouse trials, Huelva is emerging as a key hub for the development and commercialization of advanced strawberry genetics.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (W13 2024 to W13 2025)

Mexico

​In W13, Mexico's strawberry prices fell by 6.56% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.14 per kilogram (kg), marking a 13.64% month-on-month (MoM) decrease and a 29.63% year-on-year (YoY) drop. The price decrease is due to adverse weather conditions, including rain, frost, and high temperatures, which have significantly reduced strawberry production by up to 70% in certain regions. These climatic challenges have led to a 27.3% decline in production compared to the previous year, contributing to the YoY price drop. ​

Spain

In Spain, strawberry prices dropped by 21.19% WoW to USD 2.12/kg in W13, with a 19.39% MoM decrease due to heavy rainfall on Mar-25. While the rain eased drought conditions, it also caused significant crop damage in Huelva. The excessive humidity and strong winds led to crop losses and greenhouse destruction, affecting supply. However, YoY prices increased by 96.30% due to higher prices in the previous year, which were driven by a lower yield in the 2023/24 season and high demand. The current price surge compared to last year is due to the ongoing recovery in production in the aftermath of last year's issues and higher overall demand. As the market recovers, prices remain higher despite the short-term price drops due to the weather damage.

United States

​United States (US) strawberry prices declined by 38.59% WoW to USD 2.53/kg in W13, with a 30.30% MoM drop and an 8.00% YoY decrease. The price decline is due to a seasonal increase in supply from regions like California, where favorable growing conditions have led to higher yields, temporarily easing market tightness. Additionally, the main planting season begins in late December, which has led to increased availability in the market. However, despite the increased supply, prices remain lower compared to the previous year, reflecting ongoing market adjustments.​

Egypt

​In W13, strawberry prices in Egypt dropped by 9.43% WoW to USD 0.48/kg, marking a 14.29% MoM decline. This price drop is due to the conclusion of the fresh strawberry season in early Mar-25, leading to a transition to frozen strawberry production. The 2024/25 season experienced strong international demand, with peak exports targeting European, Arab, and Asian markets. However, after Dec-24, European demand declined sharply, prompting exporters to shift focus to frozen strawberry production, which continues through May to meet sustained global demand from the food and beverage industry. Despite the MoM and WoW declines, YoY prices increased by 9.09%. This rise is due to increased farming costs, with production expenses reportedly doubling due to unfavorable weather conditions, including temperature fluctuations and disease outbreaks. These challenges have led to higher production costs and lower volumes, contributing to the YoY price increase.

Italy

​Italy's strawberry prices increased by 13.09% WoW to USD 4.32/kg in W13, representing a 9.92% MoM rise and a 23.08% YoY surge. This price increase is due to increased production costs and a growing consumer demand for strawberries, which have maintained their popularity among Italian households. Additionally, varietal innovations and investments in specialized crops have contributed to higher price levels compared to the previous year.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Implement Water Management and Climate Resilient Practices

Strawberry growers in Mahabaleshwar should adopt more efficient water management techniques, such as drip irrigation, to cope with the ongoing water crisis. Additionally, they should explore drought-resistant strawberry varieties to mitigate the impact of extreme heat. For immediate relief, growers should focus on shading techniques and sun protection measures to prevent fruit damage from intense sunlight. Collaboration with local agricultural extension services to monitor weather patterns and adjust cultivation practices accordingly will also help mitigate future risks.

Enhance Climate Resilience and Infrastructure for Strawberry Production

Strawberry producers in Huelva should invest in more robust greenhouse structures designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rainfall. Additionally, they should implement better drainage systems in fields and greenhouses to manage excess water during heavy rains and reduce flooding risks. For long-term sustainability, growers should explore climate-resilient strawberry varieties that can tolerate humidity and extreme weather events. Working with agricultural experts to improve pest and disease control practices during wet conditions will also help mitigate the effects of such weather disruptions.

Sources: Tridge, Freshplaza, Fruitnet, Hortidaily, Huelvainformacion, Legacy Farm for Strawberry Production and Export, Times of India