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Chinese strawberry prices in Vietnam have dropped 30% year-on-year (YoY) to a record low of USD 2.15 per kilogram (VND 55,000/kg), making them widely available in the country. Since mid-February, large shipments have entered the market, with wholesale prices at Hóc Môn Market in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Lào Cai Province ranging from USD 14.90 to 15.69/7-kg box (VND 380,000 to 400,000/7-kg box). Chinese strawberries are gaining market dominance, now priced up to USD 1.18/kg lower than Da Lat varieties. China's expanded production and advanced greenhouse technology drive the influx. This ensures consistent quality, longer shelf life, and a steady supply, helping Chinese strawberries outsell domestic ones in Vietnam’s markets and retail outlets.
Strawberry farmers in India's Satara district, particularly in Mahabaleshwar, Wai, and Jawali talukas, are facing severe challenges as extreme temperatures of 35 to 36°C throughout February accelerate ripening, cause bruising, and reduce fruit size, leading to lower yields and financial losses. The intense heat is also causing flowers to wither before fruit development, further impacting production. While farmers are employing protective measures such as netting to shield crops, the prolonged heatwave continues to threaten the region's renowned strawberry cultivation.
After eight years of negotiations, South Korea has gained approval to export strawberries to Brazil, with import quarantine requirements taking effect last month. As one of Korea's top fresh agricultural exports, strawberries see around 4 thousand tons shipped annually to markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Thailand. To meet Brazilian regulations, cultivation greenhouses, and line managers must register before planting, while strict pest management measures must be enforced. The Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs Quarantine Headquarters plans to implement export guidelines this year to ensure compliance, marking Korea's first strawberry exports to Latin America and opening new market opportunities.
Persistent rainfall hit California’s Santa Maria and Oxnard regions from February 16 to 18, 2025, with nearly two inches of rain recorded. The downpour disrupted strawberry harvesting, forcing suppliers to rely on Mexican imports to meet demand. Additional weather-related suspensions last week further tightened supply, while growers anticipate quality issues such as bruising and pin rot, which could impact marketability. With harvest volumes in Santa Maria still low, supply chain adjustments and imports are helping to bridge the gap, though consumers may experience fluctuations in strawberry availability and pricing in the coming weeks.
Florida’s strawberry growers faced major challenges this season as Hurricane Milton hit during peak planting, causing a 30% crop loss. However, the disruption unexpectedly accelerated the planting process, leading to younger plants that produced sweeter, higher-quality berries. This improvement could enhance the overall market appeal of Florida strawberries despite the initial challenges.
Strawberry production in Southern California remains strong despite recent rains, with fields in Irvine, Orange County, and Oxnard recovering well and maintaining expected volumes. Santa Maria growers are set to resume exports in about two weeks following field cleanups, ensuring a steady supply. Consumer demand remains high, driven by increased awareness of strawberries' health benefits, keeping winter prices slightly above last year’s levels. While weather disruptions have posed challenges, consistent supplies from Southern California, Florida, and Baja Mexico are expected to sustain the market in the coming weeks.
Despite the United Kingdom's (UK) cold and dark winters, greenhouse technology has made year-round strawberry cultivation possible. On February 27th, National Strawberry Day, UK growers emphasize the role of advanced environmental control systems in maintaining optimal temperature, humidity, and light conditions. Innovations like the Tomtech T100 system enable growers to replicate ideal growing environments, ensuring consistent yields and premium-quality fruit throughout the year. By improving climate management, commercial growers can overcome environmental uncertainties and sustain a steady supply of homegrown strawberries in all seasons.
Mexico's strawberry prices dropped significantly by 15.61% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.46/kg in W9, showing a 2.67% month-on-month (MoM) decrease and a 23.16% YoY decline due to increased supply pressures from local production and competing regions like California. The resumption of strong harvest volumes in key growing areas, coupled with steady exports from the United States (US), has intensified market competition, leading to lower prices. Additionally, consumer demand remains relatively weak compared to previous seasons, further limiting price recovery. The continued preference for California’s higher-quality strawberries in key export markets has also contributed to the downward pressure on Mexican prices.
In W9, Spain's strawberry prices experienced a 3.47% WoW decrease to USD 3.06/kg, accompanied by a 21.13% MoM decline. This downward trend is due to increased production volumes resulting from favorable weather conditions, leading to higher market supply. Additionally, intensified competition from other European strawberry-producing countries has exerted further pressure on prices. However, on a YoY basis, prices have risen by 20.95%, reflecting sustained robust demand and a stronger market.
In the US, strawberry prices fell by 11.49% WoW to USD 4.62/kg in W9, with a 9.59% MoM drop and a 6.67% YoY decrease due to improving supply conditions across key growing regions. Southern California’s fields in Irvine, Orange County, and Oxnard have recovered from recent rains, while Santa Maria growers are expected to resume exports soon, further increasing market availability. Additionally, steady supplies from Florida and Baja Mexico have contributed to the price decline, as overall production outpaces demand growth despite continued consumer interest in strawberries' health benefits.
Egyptian strawberry prices remained steady at USD 0.55/kg in W9, marking a 19.12% YoY decrease due to improved supply stability as the harvest season progresses, reducing price volatility seen in early 2024. The expansion of greenhouse cultivation and advanced irrigation techniques has bolstered yields, ensuring a consistent market supply. Additionally, weaker export demand from Europe, where buyers increasingly source from Spain and Morocco, has contributed to the lower YoY prices. While domestic demand remains steady, the absence of significant supply constraints has prevented any major upward price movement this week.
Strawberry prices in Italy dropped significantly by 26.51% WoW to USD 3.66/kg in W9, with a 43.26% MoM decrease and a 15.67% YoY decline due to expanding cultivation areas, which have increased supply and eased previous price pressures. Despite strong consumer demand, the seasonal peak in production has led to a surplus, driving prices downward. Additionally, ongoing discussions within the European Union (EU) on harmonizing regulations for sustainable farming practices have influenced market sentiment, with producers adjusting their strategies to align with future policy changes. The price decline also reflects increased competition from Spain and Portugal, where favorable growing conditions have boosted production.
California strawberry growers should enhance post-rain quality inspections to minimize the impact of bruising and pin rot, ensuring only high-quality fruit reaches the market. Distributors should diversify sourcing by securing additional shipments from Mexico to stabilize supply. Retailers can manage consumer expectations by adjusting promotions and pricing to reflect limited availability.
Strawberry farmers in Satara should expand the use of shade nets and mulching to regulate soil temperature and reduce fruit damage. Implementing drip irrigation with frequent light watering can help maintain soil moisture and prevent flower drop. Farmers can also explore heat-resistant strawberry varieties to improve resilience against rising temperatures.
Vietnamese strawberry suppliers should highlight the freshness and local appeal of Da Lat strawberries through targeted marketing campaigns. Improving post-harvest handling, such as cold chain logistics and modified atmosphere packaging, can extend shelf life and enhance competitiveness. Retailers can also promote premium packaging and branding to differentiate Da Lat strawberries from lower-priced Chinese imports.
Sources: Tridge, Abc Action News, Dev Discourse, Free Press Journal, MBN, USDA
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