Strawberries 75% More Expensive — Spring Produce Prices
Poland report: strawberries 75% more expensive this spring, while new-season vegetables become more available and often cheaper.
A kilogram of local berries now costs far more: strawberries 75% more expensive than a year ago. Consequently, buyers face a sharp split between tunnel-grown Polish fruit and cheaper imports.
Market for strawberries 75% more expensive
Currently traders report that most fruit on the market comes from tunnel cultivation. Domestic tunnel strawberries sell for 30 to 35 zł per kilogram. Moreover, imported berries from Greece and other countries trade at 20 to 22 zł. However wholesalers say imports are slowing. Therefore importers plan deliveries more cautiously than weeks ago. In addition producers warn that the main harvest wave will depend on May weather. Thus warm, sunny days would boost supply. Conversely wet and cool conditions would raise disease risks and push prices up further.
Supply and early vegetables
Meanwhile a warm spring pushed new-season vegetables into markets. Consequently prices for many vegetables fell. For example young potatoes of the Irga variety sell at 15 zł per kg. In contrast older potatoes trade for roughly half that price. However aging stock shows lower quality. Moreover sellers may dispose of poor tubers. Also Polish green zucchini sells at 5 to 6 zł per kg. Colorful zucchini varieties fetch 12 to 15 zł. In addition greenhouse broad beans cost about 35 zł per kg. Prices for asparagus and rhubarb appear in the 15 to 16 zł range. Therefore markets offer a growing selection of new-season produce. Yet farmers and traders await a full damage assessment after late April and early May frosts. Experts say they will better estimate losses as the season progresses.
Practical tips and outlook
Plan purchases and budget for fruit and veg costs. Also consider frozen berries as an affordable option. Moreover bulk buys at cooperatives or discount stores reduce cost per kilogram. In addition preserving fruit by making jams stretches supply. Therefore you can enjoy strawberries without breaking your budget. Finally growers expect more stable supplies if May brings warmth. However a late cold spell could push prices back up quickly.
What this means for expats and shoppers
Higher berry prices matter for household budgets. Consequently shoppers will find domestic strawberries more often at farmers markets and specialist stalls. Moreover supermarkets may offer imported berries at lower prices. Therefore you can choose between local quality and a better price. In addition local markets usually open early in the morning. Thus shopping at the right time gives better options. Also remember that Polish food prices vary by region and store type.
Source: Read original article
📚 Looking for more help settling in Poland? Browse our complete Expat Guides.

