In W27 in the strawberry landscape, strawberries produced in Baja California, Mexico, are deemed safe for consumption and export as they are free from Hepatitis A contamination. Thorough inspections conducted by the State Regulatory Commission against Sanitary Risks (Coepris) found no traces of the virus in the water, product, packaging, or production processes. Collaboration between the National Agri-Food Health, Safety, and Quality Service (Senasica) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) further confirmed the absence of Hepatitis A in strawberry production units. Mexican producers and marketers have adopted good agricultural practices and Pollution Risk Reduction Systems (SRRC) to ensure safer food production and increase market competitiveness. Senasica and the National Association of Berry Exporters (Aneberries) have formed a working group to strengthen safety measures in strawberry production processes, focusing on implementing SRRC. The voluntary application of these systems adds value to production, guarantees contamination-free food, promotes safe food trade, and enhances the competitiveness of Mexican products.
Farmers in the Krasnodar Territory in Russia have harvested approximately 4 thousand metric tons (mt) of strawberries, sweet cherries, and cherries since the start of the summer season. On the other hand, the soft fruit market in Poland is currently facing uncontrolled fruit imports from Ukraine. Fruit growers in eastern Mazovia are concerned about low prices and unprofitability caused by this influx. The Association of Polish Fruit Growers urges the suspension of fruit imports to stabilize the domestic market. In 2023, purchase prices for strawberries averaged around USD 0.53/kg (PLN 2.10/kg) for fresh strawberries and approximately USD 0.90/kg (PLN 3.60/kg) for frozen strawberries.
Lastly, the strawberry season in Moldova is approaching its end, with locally produced berries expected to be available in the domestic market until September. The 2023 season has seen a significant increase in the production of high-quality strawberries, leading to a rise in exports. Favorable weather conditions during spring and summer, including the absence of destructive frosts and precipitation during the ripening and harvesting period, have contributed to yields of ground strawberries ranging from 15 to 20 mt per hectare (ha). Although the exact gross harvest volume is difficult to determine due to fluctuations in strawberry cultivation areas in Moldova, it is estimated that it is at least 13 to15 thousand tons. Many farmers have also reported above-average quality, with the Aroza variety standing out for its exceptional size, shape, and organoleptic properties.
