1. Weekly News

Egypt

Egypt Dominates Brazil's Frozen Strawberry Market with Record-Breaking Export Growth in 2024

Egypt has seen exceptional growth in its frozen strawberry exports to Brazil. In 2024, exports reached over 30 thousand tons, nearly double the volume of 2023 and 30 times higher than in 2019. This record-breaking achievement is valued at USD 27 million. As a result, Egypt has secured its position as the top supplier, commanding a 90% share of Brazil's frozen strawberry imports. Exports peaked between Apr-24 and Aug-24, with May-24 seeing the highest volumes. Egypt’s consistent growth has outpaced traditional suppliers like Chile and Argentina, despite their geographic proximity. This has solidified Egypt's dominance in Brazil’s frozen strawberry market.

South Korea

Miryang Expands Strawberry Exports with Launch of Strawberry 1943 Brand in Thailand

Miryang, the birthplace of Korean strawberries, reached a milestone by exporting its premium Strawberry 1943 brand to Thailand. The initial shipment of 260 kilograms (kg) followed a ceremony on January 15, 2025, to commemorate the event, at the Miryang Agricultural Technology Center. Miryang City is renowned for the sweetness and aroma of its strawberries, a result of its favorable climatic conditions. The city has established an Export Quarantine Zone and aims to expand exports to key Asian markets such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam, with a target of over 200 tons annually. This initiative underscores Miryang's dedication to globalizing its premium strawberries while fostering regional agricultural development.

Chungcheongbuk-do Strawberries Resumed Exports to Indonesia

Chungcheongbuk-do Province in South Korea resumed strawberry exports to Indonesia after a six-year hiatus, with an initial shipment of 151 kg of the premium Seolhyang variety from a smart farm in Cheongju-si. These strawberries mark a milestone as the first export cultivated in a smart farm, ensuring consistent quality. Historically focused on domestic markets due to high logistics costs, the province now aims to enhance global competitiveness and establish a premium brand image for Chungbuk strawberries. Officials have pledged ongoing support to expand exports and develop stable export bases, positioning the region as a key player in the international market.

Spain

Strong Start for Huelva's Strawberry Season with Promising Growth and Market Opportunities

The strawberry season in Huelva, Spain, began on Nov-24 with the initial harvests showing strong demand and promising prospects for growers, including the Cuna de Platero cooperative. Anticipating a 10 to 12% increase in production over last year’s 50 million kg, the cooperative attributes its success to consistent supply strategies, including year-round cultivation supported by additional crops in Ávila. While early supplies from Huelva have been limited, the quality and volume of strawberries are expected to increase, opening new market opportunities. The focus remains on ensuring stability and reliability to meet client demands throughout the year.

United States

Florida's Strawberry Supply Faces Temporary Disruption Due to Cold Weather

Florida's strawberry supply faced a temporary shortfall caused by cold temperatures in recent weeks, disrupting production levels. Although the crop initially showed resilience following the fall hurricanes, the recent colder-than-usual weather has temporarily weakened supply. Forecasts suggest that low temperatures, which have been unseasonably close to freezing in some areas, will continue in the short term, further impacting production. However, production is expected to rebound by late Jan-25, aligning with the demand surge for Valentine's Day. Meanwhile, Mexican strawberries dominate the market due to higher availability, as California remains in a low production phase. This shift in supply dynamics has bolstered prices for Florida strawberries, contrasting with softer pricing for Mexican fruit as its production continues to rise.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (W3 2024 to W3 2025)

Mexico

Mexico's strawberry prices fell by 12.57% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.46/kg in W3, reflecting a 46.13% month-on-month (MoM) decline and a 35.68% year-on-year (YoY) decrease. The price decline is due to the ongoing peak production season in major strawberry-producing states like Michoacán, Baja California, and Guanajuato, which collectively account for 95.4% of the country's production. Favorable weather conditions have sustained high harvest volumes, further increasing supply levels. Additionally, the seasonal dip in demand post-holidays and competitive pricing from other producing regions have pressured market prices down. The YoY decline is also attributed to elevated prices during the same period last year due to stronger demand and limited supply.

Italy

Strawberry prices in Italy dropped by 13.48% WoW to USD 5.39/kg in W3, showing a 42.41% MoM decline and a 10.02% YoY decrease. The price decline is due to increased supply from the newly operational producers' organization Tenute Zuccarella, which began full-scale production and distribution at the start of 2025. With nearly 200 hectares (ha) of fruit and vegetable cultivation on the Metapontino plain, including the Sabrosa-Candonga and Inspire strawberry cultivars, the expanded availability has intensified market competition. Additionally, preparations for showcasing products at Fruit Logistica 2025 may have accelerated supply into the local market, further contributing to the price drop.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Strengthen Supply Chain for Valentine's Day Demand

Florida strawberry growers and distributors should focus on optimizing cold-weather crop management techniques to mitigate production shortfalls caused by low temperatures. To ensure readiness for the Valentine's Day demand surge, they should coordinate closely with logistics providers to secure timely transportation for the expected rebound in supply by late January. Additionally, they should implement strategic marketing efforts highlighting the premium quality of Florida strawberries to differentiate them from the rising availability of Mexican strawberries in the market.

Build a Strong Export Strategy for Premium Strawberries

Strawberry producers in Chungcheongbuk-do should focus on enhancing the scalability of smart farm operations to consistently meet export quality standards. Collaborate with international logistics providers to optimize cost-effective shipping solutions for premium strawberries like the Seolhyang variety. Additionally, implement targeted marketing campaigns to build a premium brand image in key markets like Indonesia, leveraging the unique quality assurance of smart-farmed products to establish a strong foothold in the global market.

Sources: Tridge, Eastfruit, Freshplaza, Hortidaily, KoreaPost, OP Tenute Zuccarella, Yna