1. Weekly News

China

China Leads Global Strawberry Production with Advanced Technology and Strategic Investment

China reinforces its status as the world’s top strawberry producer, cultivating an impressive 202.34 thousand hectares (ha) and harvesting 3.39 million metric tons (mmt) annually, as of 2025. This far outpaces other major producers such as the United States (US) with 1.21 mmt and Turkey with 669 thousand metric tons (mt). This leadership stems from significant government investment in infrastructure, the adoption of advanced farming techniques, and efficient land use. China employs cutting-edge technology, including artificial intelligence, drones, temperature sensors, and spectral cameras, to closely monitor plant health, boost yields, and enable precise pest control. This approach substantially reduces pesticide use. These innovations have transformed global strawberry production and enhanced China’s influence in international markets. While Mexico and Spain remain key exporters, China’s breakthroughs in breeding, automation, and pest management are expected to set new global standards and encourage other countries to innovate in response to rising demand.

Italy

Italy’s Strawberry Industry Advances with New Varieties and Extended Season Production

Italy’s strawberry industry is advancing through the introduction of new low-chill varieties in southern regions. Three promising selections are currently under evaluation: one early, high-yielding type favored by southern growers, and two others known for their exceptional fruit quality and aromatic intensity. Expected for extensive evaluation next season, these new varieties signal ongoing innovation in Italian strawberry cultivation. Meanwhile, northern Italy continues to rely on established varieties like Giusy®, Klodia®, Aprica, Clery, Sibilla, and Dely, which maintain high productivity and consistent quality. Klodia® is especially praised for its superior flavor and sweetness. In the Lessinia area near Verona, a key growing zone for day-neutral strawberries, growers prepare for an extended everbearing season from late June through October. This will enable a continuous fresh supply and meet growing demand for diverse strawberry availability throughout summer and autumn.

Moldova

Moldova’s Strawberry Growers Anticipate Improved Harvest Amid Ongoing Production Decline

Moldovan strawberry growers approach the new season with cautious optimism. Mild May rains and gradual warming have created favorable conditions for open-field harvesting, which is expected to begin in early Jun-25. Early and mid-season varieties particularly benefit from these weather patterns, which improve soil conditions and facilitate efficient picking. However, Moldova faces persistent long-term challenges, with total berry production, including strawberries, which constitute about half the volume, declining annually by 5% to 15% since the early 2010s. In 2024, production fell to 17.1 thousand mt from 20.8 thousand mt the previous year, highlighting ongoing pressures on the sector despite the hopeful outlook for this season’s crop.

Ukraine

Ukraine’s Strawberry Prices Drop with Increased Supply and Weather Challenges

In Ukraine, strawberry prices have fallen sharply due to increased supply from western farms and weakened consumer demand caused by poor berry quality following adverse weather. Initially, greenhouse growers resisted lowering prices below USD 5.31 to 6.27 per kilogram (kg) (UAH 220 to 260/kg). However, with fresh harvests arriving from southern and western regions, prices dropped by up to 35%, now ranging between USD 2.90 and 4.59/kg (UAH 120 to 190/kg) depending on quality and volume. Although the season has not peaked, widespread frost damage in April and May caused losses of 30% to 100% in early varieties, which may affect future supply. Despite the price drop, current strawberry prices remain approximately 45% higher than the same period last year in Ukraine.

United States

Tennessee Strawberry Season Overcomes Weather and Disease Challenges

Tennessee’s strawberry season remains strong despite facing unpredictable weather and fungal disease challenges. Late Mar-25 brought below-average temperatures that threatened frost damage, leading many growers to protect their crops using ground covers and overhead irrigation. Additionally, the fungus Neopestalotiopsis affected entire strawberry plants, causing losses but posing no risk to human health. Above-average rainfall in Apr-25 and May-25 has resulted in muddy fields, limiting pick-your-own opportunities. Nonetheless, Tennessee farmers have worked diligently to protect their crops and continue providing a quality strawberry-picking experience across the state.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (W22 2024 to W22 2025) 

Mexico

Mexico's strawberry prices declined by 5.56% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.87/kg in W22, but increased 4.47% month-on-month (MoM). Prices also dropped 4.10% year-on-year (YoY). This mixed trend reflects the winding down of the peak harvest season in key regions like Michoacán and Guanajuato, which has led to oversupply in the market. Additionally, the influx of strawberries from Baja California and Central Mexico has saturated the market, exerting further pressure on prices. Compounding the issue, quality concerns such as bruising and smaller fruit sizes, particularly in Central Mexico, have affected export demand and contributed to the price decline.

United States

Strawberry prices in the US dropped to USD 2.34/kg in W22, marking declines of 22.52% WoW, 32.37% MoM, and 5.26% YoY. The price drop is due to a supply glut from California, where favorable weather and expanded acreage have led to robust production. This oversupply, and a slight softening in export demand, has exerted downward pressure on prices. While some imports from Central Mexico faced quality issues, domestic oversupply remains the dominant factor influencing price declines in the US market.

Egypt

In W22, strawberry prices in Egypt increased by 12.50% WoW to USD 0.45/kg, with a 28.57% MoM rise and a significant 150% YoY surge. This price escalation is due to adverse weather conditions, including sudden temperature fluctuations and irregular rainfall patterns, which have disrupted the growing season, resulting in lower yields and increased vulnerability to pests and diseases such as thrips and powdery mildew. These climatic challenges have necessitated intensified agricultural practices, thereby elevating production costs. Furthermore, the devaluation of the Egyptian pound has increased the cost of imported agricultural inputs, compounding the financial strain on producers. Additionally, a shift in cultivation focus towards frozen strawberries, driven by higher international demand, has reduced the availability of fresh strawberries in the domestic market, contributing to the price increase.

Italy

Strawberry prices in Italy increased by 1.47% WoW to USD 4.84/kg in W22, due to weather-related production delays in southern regions like Basilicata and Campania. Cold temperatures and fluctuating climatic conditions slowed fruit ripening during peak demand periods, particularly around Easter, causing a decreased supply and upward pressure on prices. However, prices experienced a 9.87% MoM and 5.65% YoY decrease, attributed to a seasonal influx of strawberries from northern regions such as Emilia-Romagna and Veneto. Increased supply, a slight decline in per capita consumption, and a growing preference for alternative berries like blueberries contributed to the downward trend.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Improve Strawberry Quality and Diversify Markets for Stable Prices

Strawberry producers should focus on improving berry quality through better frost protection and post-harvest handling to prevent losses and maintain price stability. For example, using frost fans or row covers, as practiced in Spain and California, can reduce weather damage. Producers should also diversify sales channels by exploring direct-to-consumer sales via online platforms or local farmers’ markets to reduce dependence on wholesale markets, where price drops are sharper. This approach helps maintain better margins despite supply fluctuations.

Adopt Innovative Varieties and Extend Harvest Seasons

Strawberry producers should accelerate the adoption of new low-chill and high-quality varieties to boost yield and fruit appeal, like Italy’s trials of aromatic, early-ripening types. Growers can integrate varieties similar to Klodia®, known for their sweetness and flavor, to enhance market competitiveness. Producers in various regions should also focus on extending harvest windows using everbearing or day-neutral varieties, ensuring a steady fresh supply from summer into autumn, which helps capture higher consumer demand and improve cash flow.

Sources: Tridge, Freshplaza, Fruittoday, Hortidaily, IDR, Logos Pre, TN DA