1. Weekly News

Egypt

Egypt's Strawberry Season Faces Price Fluctuations Due to Rising Costs and Oversupply

Egyptian fresh strawberry season for 2024/25 began with prices doubling from the previous year due to higher production costs driven by climate change, currency fluctuations, and stricter European regulations. However, prices plummeted by nearly 70% within two weeks as oversupply outpaced weak demand, which prompted many growers to shift to freezing earlier than expected. Despite these challenges, Egypt remains the global leader in frozen strawberry exports, with 55 thousand feddans (about 22,600 hectares) under cultivation and 2024 exports reaching 300 thousand tons. Growers hope for steady demand and consistent exports to stabilize the market.

India

Tribal Farmers in Odisha Shift to Strawberry Cultivation

Farmers in Odisha's Koraput district are transitioning from traditional crops like rice and ragi to strawberry cultivation, which utilizes the region's favorable climate and soil. In Kauguda Village, over 30 tribal families now grow strawberries on 10.11 hectares (ha). The Horticulture Department supports this initiative with guidance and resources. Moreover, this shift demonstrates the region's potential for high-value crop production, marking a transformative step in local agriculture.

Italy

Sicily's Wild Strawberry Season Thrives with Exceptional Quality and Innovation

The 2024 wild strawberry campaign in Sicily's Marsala area has been successful, yielding high-quality harvests since September and exceeding average production levels. The supply in 2024 supports fresh and frozen markets, with prices peaking during the pre-Christmas season due to strong demand, which is expected to stabilize afterward. The Marsala Wild Strawberry Cooperative, comprising 180 member companies, leads Italy in soilless wild strawberry cultivation, prioritizing strict quality control and pathogen prevention. They ensure premium products through innovative practices and protected environments, with surplus directed to frozen markets. The cooperative's approach emphasizes market-driven quality and ongoing innovation.

Peru

Peru's Year-Round Strawberry Production Drives Growth Despite Challenges

Peru’s favorable climate and diverse altitudes enable year-round strawberry cultivation, which provides a competitive edge over countries with seasonal production. Strawberries are grown in open fields and protected systems, supporting domestic markets and exports, including processed products like frozen strawberries and jams. However, development faces challenges such as limited technology access, high input costs, pest issues, and agrochemical residue concerns, particularly for small producers. Strategic investments in sustainable practices, advanced genetics, certified nurseries, and quality certifications could enhance Peru’s market position, which makes strawberries a major player in its agricultural export portfolio.

South Korea

High Demand and Limited Supply Drive Up South Korea's Strawberry Prices

Strawberry prices in South Korea are rising due to a supply shortage caused by unexpected high-temperature damage. At Seoul's Garak Market, Seolhyang strawberries reached USD 28.01/2-kilogram box (KRW 41,176/2-kg box)on December 20, 2024, a 7.3% year-on-year (YoY) increase and 12.3% higher than two years ago. Over the past week, supply dropped by 36.2% YoY, with only 472 tons available. With strong demand expected during the Christmas season, distributors predict prices will remain in the early-to-mid USD 27.21/2-kg box (KRW 40,000/2-kg box) through the end of the year.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (W52 2023 to W52

2024)

Mexico

Mexico's strawberry prices dropped by 1.95% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 2.52/kg in W52, with an 8.03% month-on-month (MoM) decrease due to a continued improvement in supply, as weather conditions remained favorable for harvesting. The easing of supply constraints from previous weeks and a slight reduction in export demand contributed to the price decline. However, YoY prices increased by 5.88% due to a recovery from last year's oversupply-driven low prices and stronger demand for strawberries, particularly during the holiday season, which has supported higher price levels than last year.

United States

In the United States (US), strawberry prices fell sharply by 17.75% WoW to USD 5.33/kg in W52. This represents an 11.75% MoM decrease and a 25.35% YoY decline. The price drop is due to an oversupply of strawberries as the Florida strawberry season peaked, contributing to higher availability in the market. Additionally, the ongoing challenges posed by neopestalotiopsis disease, a fungal infection that affects strawberry plants, leading to crown rot, leaf spotting, and reduced yields, have prompted growers to increase production costs and adjust strategies, impacting overall market dynamics. Despite these efforts, the disease remains a significant concern for Florida's strawberry industry, affecting long-term stability. However, this may be addressed with the development of disease-resistant varieties, set to enter trials in 2025.

Italy

Strawberry prices in Italy surged by 19.49% WoW to USD 9.32/kg in W52, reflecting a 13.94% MoM increase due to heightened demand during the peak of the holiday season, as consumers prioritized fresh strawberries for Christmas celebrations. Additionally, the tightening of supply following the winding down of the autumn harvests contributed to the upward price movement. However, YoY prices dropped by 28.25% due to a stronger production cycle in 2024, which has kept prices lower than last year’s higher prices driven by limited supply and market fluctuations.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Mitigate Market Volatility through Strategic Freezing and Export Management

Egyptian strawberry growers should manage market fluctuations by adjusting their production and export strategies. When facing oversupply, they should shift to freezing earlier than expected, ensuring strawberries' long-term shelf life and availability. Growers should also work with export partners to secure consistent demand and streamline frozen strawberry exports while monitoring market trends to adjust production volumes accordingly. This proactive approach will help stabilize pricing and ensure steady export flows despite market fluctuations.

Address Supply Shortage with Strategic Sourcing and Marketing

South Korean strawberry distributors should focus on securing alternative sourcing strategies to address the current supply shortage. They can explore additional production regions within Korea, such as Jeju Island or other provinces known for strawberry cultivation, to ensure a more diversified supply. Additionally, partnerships with international suppliers from countries like Vietnam or China, which have emerging strawberry industries, can be considered for steady imports during high-demand periods. In parallel, distributors should adjust their marketing efforts to manage consumer expectations, highlighting premium quality to justify higher prices and strengthen demand. This approach will help stabilize prices and maintain market supply despite the current challenges.

Expand Strawberry Cultivation and Support Local Growers

Farmers in Odisha's Koraput district should expand their strawberry cultivation efforts by leveraging the region's favorable climate and soil. Agricultural cooperatives can offer training on advanced cultivation techniques, while the Horticulture Department should enhance its support by providing access to sustainable farming resources and technology. Encouraging local farmers to increase production areas and facilitating access to high-quality strawberry varieties will help boost yields. By focusing on improved production methods and expanding market access, farmers can capitalize on the growing potential of strawberries as a high-value crop, ensuring long-term profitability.

Sources: Tridge, Freshfruitportal, Freshplaza, Italianberry, MXfruit, Nongmin, Odisha TV, UF/IFAS