Poland is the largest supplier of raspberries in the EU

Poland has emerged as the leading raspberry producer in the European Union, with a marked doubling of its raspberry cultivation area from 2006 to 2016, covering 29,300 hectares. In 2020, the country saw a significant increase in raspberry production by 53% compared to the previous year, reaching 116,000 tons. A substantial portion of these raspberries are used for processing into juice and jam, and Poland has also become a prominent exporter of frozen raspberries, particularly to other EU countries. The majority of Polish raspberry farms do not use irrigation and depend on weather conditions. Despite facing challenges such as spring drought and frost, favorable rainfall in May and June ensured a bountiful harvest. Autumn varieties contribute to 60% of the total yield, extending the harvest season until October. However, the raspberry industry faces challenges like seasonal labor shortages, which were exacerbated by Covid-19 restrictions limiting the entry of Ukrainian workers, resulting in increased labor costs for local producers.