Market
Poland is the leading raspberry producer in the European Union and a significant supplier to intra-EU fresh markets. Production is concentrated in Lubelskie voivodeship, with additional supply from other regions, and a large share of the crop is oriented to industrial processing (notably freezing), which shapes availability and pricing for the fresh channel. Fresh raspberry export volumes are highly seasonal, with the bulk shipped during July–October. Supply is weather-sensitive; Statistics Poland reported that spring frosts and insufficient rainfall contributed to lower berry harvests in 2024, including raspberries.
Market RoleMajor producer and exporter (EU-leading production; fresh exports seasonal within the EU)
Domestic RoleDual-channel market: fresh domestic consumption alongside a strong processing-oriented supply base (especially for frozen products).
SeasonalityFresh raspberry exports from Poland are concentrated in mid-year to early autumn, with the majority shipped from July to October; year-to-year supply is sensitive to spring frost and rainfall conditions.
Risks
Climate HighSpring frosts and rainfall deficits can sharply reduce Poland’s raspberry volumes and quality in a given season; Statistics Poland reported these factors contributed to lower berry harvests in 2024, including raspberries.Contract diversified regional supply, prioritize irrigation-capable and protected-cultivation suppliers, and build contingency volumes for the July–October export program window.
Pest And Disease MediumSpotted-wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii) is reported as present in Poland (EPPO), creating ongoing risk of soft-fruit quality deterioration and buyer rejections if monitoring and control are inadequate.Require documented pest monitoring and integrated pest management practices; tighten incoming QC during peak season and align harvest-to-dispatch timing to reduce exposure.
Food Safety MediumEU market access depends on compliance with pesticide MRLs under Regulation (EC) No 396/2005; exceedances can trigger rejection, recalls, or enhanced scrutiny for specific origins/suppliers.Implement pre-harvest spray record audits, residue testing aligned to buyer risk profiles, and corrective action plans for any detected exceedances.
Regulatory Compliance MediumNon-conformity with EU marketing standards (quality/condition and required origin/label elements) can result in non-compliance findings under Poland’s IJHARS-supervised control system.Use a packhouse labeling checklist aligned to EU marketing standards and IJHARS guidance; run pre-dispatch conformity checks and photo evidence for each lot.
Logistics MediumFresh raspberries are highly time- and temperature-sensitive; peak-season logistics bottlenecks during July–October can increase spoilage risk and raise delivered costs for intra-EU shipments.Pre-book refrigerated transport capacity for peak months, define maximum transit times in contracts, and implement temperature monitoring and exception-response procedures.
Sustainability- Weather and water risk: Statistics Poland links reduced berry harvests to spring frosts and insufficient rainfall during the growing season, affecting yield and fruit size/quality.
- Input and infrastructure intensity: KOWR notes that achieving high-quality yields may require investment in polytunnels and irrigation, raising resource-management and cost exposure.
Standards- GLOBALG.A.P. IFA (fruit and vegetables)
- GLOBALG.A.P. GRASP add-on (social practice)
- BRCGS Global Standard Food Safety (commonly used for food manufacturing/packing operations supplying major retail channels)
FAQ
When is Poland’s fresh raspberry export season strongest?KOWR reports that the decisive majority of Poland’s fresh raspberry export volume occurs from July to October, with more than three-quarters shipped in that period.
Which Polish regions matter most for raspberry production?KOWR indicates the largest concentration of raspberry plantations is in Lubelskie voivodeship, with additional contributions from regions such as Mazowieckie, Zachodniopomorskie, and Podkarpackie.
What is the biggest supply risk for Polish fresh raspberries?Weather shocks are a key blocker risk: Statistics Poland links lower berry harvests in 2024 to spring frosts and insufficient rainfall during the growing season, which can reduce volume and degrade fruit quality during the fresh export window.