1. Weekly News

Australia

Tasmanian Strawberry Season Promises High Quality Despite Delayed Start in Nov-24

Tasmanian strawberries have returned to the market, and the region’s cool climate and winter chill have contributed to their exceptional taste. Although the season experienced a delayed start due to lower temperatures in Oct-24, production volume and quality remained strong. Tasmania contributes about 15% of Australia’s total strawberry production, yielding nearly 10 thousand tons annually, with most of them consumed domestically due to efficient transport. Local growers credit the success to the cool climate and polytunnels, which boost yield and quality. The 2024/25 season is expected to be strong, with the harvesting of raspberries and blueberries expected to follow shortly after the current strawberry season, maintaining a steady supply of fresh berries in the market.

Egypt

Egypt's Strawberry Prices Set to Rise Due to Cost Increases and Global Shortages

As Egypt's strawberry season nears, rising farming costs are expected to drive fresh strawberry prices up by at least 30% year-on-year (YoY), with final prices to be confirmed during peak production in late Nov-24 or early Dec-24. Additionally, global shortages are increasing demand for frozen strawberries, likely pushing prices higher for the 2024/25 season.

Egypt Launches 2024/25 Strawberry Export Season with Farm Coding and Inspections

Egypt has officially launched its 2024/25 strawberry export season, marking the start with the coding of strawberry farms for export. Overseen by the Central Administration of Agricultural Quarantine, the process involves inspecting farms to ensure they meet export standards. After 59 inspections, 16 farms have already been approved. The coding of additional farms is underway, pending pesticide residue analysis. The move aims to support farmers and exporters, with efforts focused on improving farm quality to meet international market requirements.

Italy

Early Start for Basilicata's Strawberry Season Boosts Market Prospects

Basilicata's 2024/25 strawberry season began earlier than expected due to unusually warm autumn weather, with temperatures reaching 25 degrees Celsius (°C). The first harvest on October 29, 2024, with limited volumes initially sent to the Rimini market for USD 15.93 per kilogram (EUR 15/kg). Despite the limited early supply, demand remains strong. Strawberry cultivation in the region has expanded by 15% this season, with a notable increase in soil-less farming methods, highlighting the crop's growing economic importance in the local agricultural market.

Morocco

Morocco’s Larache Region Begins Strawberry Season with Expansion Plans

The strawberry season has begun in Morocco’s Larache region, a primary hub for red fruit production. Local growers have expanded their strawberry acreage from 2 to 3 hectares (ha). However, the planting area remains below previous peak levels as some growers focus on other fruits like avocados. Despite challenges with plant quality, particularly in Spanish varieties, milder weather this year contrasts with the harsh conditions of the previous season. The first harvest is expected in late Nov-24, with larger harvests anticipated in Mar-23 and Apr-25, catering to fresh and frozen markets.

South Korea

Goryeong, South Korea, Launches Seolhyang Strawberry Season

Goryeong, South Korea, has begun exporting its first batch of Seolhyang strawberries, renowned for their vibrant color and high sugar content, for the winter season. Grown in 1.8 thousand eco-friendly greenhouses across 143 ha, Goryeong is the largest strawberry-producing area in Gyeongbuk. Despite facing challenges from unusual weather, such as abnormally high temperatures, local farmers remain optimistic about the harvest. The region is focused on enhancing the quality and competitiveness of its premium strawberries to build consumer trust and expand its market presence.

Spain

Torrential Rains Offer Relief to Strawberry Planting in Huelva, Spain

Heavy rainfall hit Huelva, Spain, in early Nov-24, prompting a red alert for severe weather. Municipalities like Aljaraque recorded up to 150 millimeters (mm) of rain, and a waterspout off the coast of Isla Cristina caused minor damages. The strawberry industry was largely unaffected as many farms were still in the planting phase, with crops yet to be covered by plastic sheeting. The rains arrived at a crucial time post-planting, providing much-needed moisture and mitigating potential drought issues. Early estimates indicate an increase in the region's water reserves, benefiting the strawberry fields during a challenging year of water restrictions.

United States

Florida's 2024/25 Strawberry Season Begins Despite Hurricane Challenges

Wish Farms, a prominent grower and marketer of berries, has officially started Florida's strawberry season, harvesting the first flat at G&D Farms, one of the world's largest strawberry farms, in Manatee County. Despite severe storm damage from Hurricane Milton, including 100 miles per hour (mph) winds that destroyed plastic beds and irrigation systems, the farm managed a swift recovery. Their resilience has positioned the company for a promising season, with the first batches of fresh Florida strawberries expected in grocery stores soon.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (W45 2023 to W45 2024)

Mexico

Strawberry prices in Mexico increased by 5.06% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.66/kg in W45 due to improved harvest conditions and a slight tightening of supply. However, month-on-month (MoM) and YoY prices declined by 21.33% MoM and 30.25% YoY as the market continued to normalize following earlier season weather disruptions. While the market experienced a brief price rebound, supply has continued to increase, leading to an overall decline compared to last month and last year.

United States

In the United States (US), strawberry prices increased by 16.05% WoW to USD 5.93/kg in W45, with a significant 115.64% MoM increase due to the commencement of Florida's strawberry season, which boosted fresh supply into the market after earlier weather-related disruptions. Despite the severe storm damage caused by Hurricane Milton, including destroyed plastic beds and irrigation systems, the swift recovery and resilience of farms helped stabilize supply, contributing to the price spike. However, YoY prices dropped by 10.02% YoY due to the overall trend of increased production and lower prices in the previous year, leading to a weaker comparative base.

Italy

Italy's strawberry prices declined by 1.80% WoW to USD 8.75/kg in W45, with a 13.54% MoM and 31.80% YoY drop due to easing summer temperatures and a gradual supply recovery. Despite an early start to the 2024/25 season in Basilicata, with limited early harvest volumes, the supply increase and return to typical seasonal pricing trends led to the price decline.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Plan for Price Adjustments and Diversification in Strawberry Exports

Egyptian strawberry producers should prepare for higher pricing by adjusting their export strategies to reflect rising production costs. Producers should prioritize diversifying into high-value markets to offset domestic price increases and ensure competitive pricing for frozen strawberry exports, capitalizing on the global demand surge. Strategic planning around pricing adjustments and market expansion should be a priority to maintain profitability during the peak production period.

Focus on Efficient Recovery and Timely Supply Chain Management

Strawberry farms in the US should prioritize enhancing recovery efforts from storm damage to maintain a steady supply of Florida strawberries. They should improve infrastructure resilience, focusing on efficient resource use and quick replenishment of plastic beds and irrigation systems. Ensuring that fresh strawberries reach the market on time is crucial, and proactive supply chain management should be emphasized to avoid delays in distribution. Timely recovery and consistent quality will help capitalize on the upcoming season's market opportunities.

Maximize Benefits from Recent Rainfall for Strawberry Growth

Strawberry farmers in Huelva should capitalize on the recent rainfall by optimizing irrigation and water management practices to sustain crop growth during the rest of the planting phase. The rains have alleviated drought concerns, so the farms should focus on enhancing soil moisture retention through strategies such as mulching, which reduces evaporation, and incorporating organic amendments like compost to boost water-holding capacity. Additionally, planting cover crops between rows can minimize water runoff. This proactive approach will help ensure healthy strawberry crops, especially during the challenging year of water restrictions. Additionally, prioritize timely monitoring of weather patterns to prepare for further weather fluctuations.

Sources: Tridge, Akhbarelyom, Campocyl, Freshplaza, HortiDaily, Pulse Tasmania, Yna