In W26 in the strawberry landscape, it was reported that in the United States (US), due to dry conditions and a lack of rainfall in some parts of Minnesota, strawberry farmers are experiencing a poor yield this summer. The National Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality Service of Mexico (SENASICA) is working with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a Hepatitis A outbreak in three states on the US West Coast. So far, no evidence has been found to confirm the presence of Hepatitis A in strawberry production units in Baja California, Mexico. The two countries have collaborated on forming the Alliance for Food Safety to protect consumers and streamline outbreak response. Mexican producers have increasingly adopted good agricultural practices, ensuring safer food for consumers. SENASICA and the Baja California State Plant Health Committee are conducting evaluations and visits to identify and prevent contamination sources in strawberry production. The Chilean white strawberry is facing scarcity but remains in high demand. Factors such as soil erosion, water competition with forest plantations, and inadequate agronomic practices have contributed to the drop in availability. To address this, a project supported by the Foundation for Agrarian Innovation (FIA) and (Quilamapu Regional Research Center of the Agricultural Research Institute) INIA aimed to rescue and promote white strawberry cultivation using agroecological methods. The project involved mass production and reintroduction of healthy specimens and training for small farmers.
The export of strawberries and other red berries from Spain, primarily from the province of Huelva, has maintained a positive trend. In Q1-23, Spanish red fruit exports reached USD 16.29 million (EUR 15 million), showing a growth of 1.3% compared to the same period in 2022. Among the red fruits, strawberries were the most exported, generating USD 772.42 million (EUR 711 million) in 2022, according to the Department of Customs and Excise Taxes of the Tax Agency, processed by the Spanish Federation of Associations of Exporting Producers of Fruits, Vegetables, Live Flowers, and Plants (FEPEX). On the other hand, in Poland, the price of strawberries at the end of the season increased, with an average price of USD 1/kg (PLN 4.15/kg). However, despite this rise, strawberry prices are not expected to reach the average levels seen in 2022. In the previous season, the price for strawberries intended for processing reached record highs, resulting in challenges for products made from these fruits, particularly frozen foods. Furthermore, the Bronisze market, in Poland, is experiencing a decrease in the supply of strawberries, particularly in terms of high-quality fruits. The limited availability of premium strawberries has resulted in higher prices, ranging from USD 3.63-4.83/basket (PLN 15-20/basket). Growers anticipate that the strawberry season is approaching its end, and scarcity of strawberries is expected in the market. Lastly, adverse weather conditions in New Zealand's Bay of Plenty region in 2023 have damaged strawberry plant supplies. Approximately one-third of the country's strawberry plants have been devastated. Compared to 2022, when 13.5 million plants were sold domestically, the 2023 supply is expected to be significantly reduced, with only an estimated 9 million plants available for commercial and home garden markets.
