Poland: Blackcurrant production drop in 2021

The International Black Currant Growers Association (IBA) has reported a significant decrease in the global production of blackcurrants in 2021, with a 22% drop to 118,000 tonnes and a reduction in cultivation areas. This decline is attributed to unfavorable weather conditions, including drought, heat, frost, and heavy rains, in various countries such as the UK, Finland, Germany, and Poland. The UK faced the biggest impact with up to 70% loss of early currant varieties due to frost, and Finland saw a 75% decrease in harvest due to climate conditions and low profitability. Germany experienced varying yields, while Poland's harvest was also affected by frosts and a rainy summer, with some growers shifting to redcurrants due to market demands. France's harvest was also affected by spring frosts, but the 'Noir de Bourgogne' variety fared better. The report highlights labor shortages, rising costs, and supply issues as challenges for the industry, with Finland and Poland noting the need for subsidies to maintain production despite declining consumption and competition from cheaper imports.