1. Weekly News

India

Modern Farming Strengthens Jharkhand’s Position in India’s Strawberry Market

Strawberry cultivation is expanding in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district as farmers adopt modern horticultural practices with support from the Horticulture Development Scheme. The transition to organic farming, aided by shade nets, has significantly enhanced yield and quality, while training programs and advanced techniques have further boosted productivity. With a growing emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly practices, Jharkhand is emerging as a key player in India’s strawberry market, inspiring more farmers to adopt high-value crop cultivation.

Spain

Spain’s Strawberry Supply Steadily Grows Despite Rain in Andalusia

Spain’s strawberry season in western Andalusia is progressing steadily despite recent rainfall, with early varieties ripening in Dec-24 under favorable temperatures, ensuring good fruit quality. While Jan-25’s colder conditions temporarily slowed production, this aligns with typical seasonal trends. As Feb-25 brings more sunlight and warmth, yields are expected to rise, peaking in Apr-25. Strong demand, particularly from Germany and France, accounting for 33.7% and 19.8% of exports, respectively, has kept prices above the maximum levels of the past four seasons. However, increasing competition from third countries is prompting Huelva’s producers to prioritize premium-quality strawberries to sustain their market position.

United Arab Emirates

AI-Powered Robot Revolutionizes Strawberry Harvesting in Abu Dhabi

Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) in Abu Dhabi developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) -powered robot that is transforming strawberry harvesting by accurately identifying and picking ripe fruit. Using advanced computer vision, machine learning, and robotics, the robot operates seamlessly in various environments, from open fields to greenhouses. High-resolution cameras and sensors enable real-time analysis, ensuring only ripe strawberries are harvested while minimizing damage. Its autonomous navigation optimizes movement, reducing labor costs and improving productivity. This innovation enhances efficiency and addresses labor shortages. It can be adapted for other crops, making it a scalable solution for modern agriculture.

United States

Florida's Strawberry Industry Faces Frost Challenges

Florida's strawberry industry is facing threats from Arctic air outbreaks, endangering its 13 thousand acres of cultivation. As the Winter Strawberry Capital of the Nation, this region supplies nearly 15% of strawberries in the United States (US), particularly during winter. Growers are deploying protective measures, such as irrigation systems, to mitigate frost damage, especially ahead of key market periods like Valentine’s Day. The economic importance of Florida’s strawberry industry has grown significantly, with cash receipts rising by 78.5% over the past decade. However, changing climate patterns and extreme weather events present ongoing challenges, emphasizing the need for adaptive agricultural strategies.

2. Weekly Pricing

Weekly Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (USD/kg)

Yearly Change in Strawberry Pricing Important Exporters (W6 2024 to W6

2025)

Mexico

In W6, Mexico's strawberry prices dropped by 20.21% week-on-week (WoW) to USD 1.50 per kilogram (kg), reflecting a 21.88% year-on-year (YoY) decrease due to high supply from peak season harvests between December and February and steady market inflows. However, there is a 2.74% month-on-month (MoM) increase due to strong export demand from the US and Europe, driven by favorable pricing and consistent supply. Additionally, quality improvements supported by protective tunnel farming, which shield crops from adverse weather, reduce disease incidence, and enhance fruit size and sweetness, have increased market appeal.

Spain

Spain's strawberry prices declined by 11.82% WoW to USD 3.88/kg in W6, with a 6.28% MoM decrease due to rising yields as warmer Feb-25 temperatures accelerated production, increasing market supply. Additionally, increased competition from third-country suppliers, particularly Morocco and Egypt, has pressured prices, leading to a temporary market adjustment. However, YoY prices surged by 72.44% due to strong export demand, especially from Germany and France, where Spanish strawberries remain a preferred choice despite growing competition. Moreover, supply constraints in previous seasons kept prices lower, making this year’s stronger pricing more pronounced in comparison.

United States

Strawberry prices in the US increased by 5.58% WoW to USD 5.11/kg in W6, showing a 9.42% MoM and YoY increase due to rising temperatures boosting consumer demand and limited supply outside California’s nearly year-round production. The tightening availability in non-California regions is attributed to seasonal production gaps, adverse weather conditions such as cold snaps and excessive rainfall, and the transition between growing seasons in key regions like Florida and Mexico. Additionally, non-California regions have smaller production windows and limited acreage, further restricting supply.

Egypt

Egypt's strawberry prices surged by 10% WoW to USD 0.55/kg in W6, with a 3.77% MoM increase due to limited supply during the low season in February and strong export demand, particularly from European markets such as Germany and the UK, where Egyptian strawberries remain competitive against higher-priced local and Moroccan alternatives. However, prices show a 5.17% YoY decrease due to weaker international demand, driven by increased availability from competing suppliers like Spain and Morocco, which have expanded their market presence. Additionally, improved overall production efficiency, supported by advancements in greenhouse cultivation, better irrigation techniques, and optimized harvesting processes, has enhanced yields and stabilized supply, further contributing to the YoY price decline.

Italy

Strawberry prices in Italy dropped by 20.27% WoW to USD 6.45/kg in W6 due to limited domestic supply during the off-season and increased imports from Spain and Greece, which lowered market prices. However, compared to MoM and YoY prices, it showed increases of 19.67% and 3.86%, respectively, driven by strong demand ahead of Valentine’s Day and the impact of weather-related challenges, such as heavy rainfall and colder temperatures, which affected production.

3. Actionable Recommendations

Enhance Climate Resilience

Florida strawberry growers should invest in advanced frost protection systems and climate-adaptive farming techniques to safeguard yields during extreme weather. Strengthening cold chain logistics will also help maintain quality and market stability during peak demand periods.

Strengthen Market Position with Premium Quality

Huelva’s strawberry producers should focus on enhancing fruit quality by adopting high-yielding and disease-resistant varieties, optimizing irrigation and nutrient management for consistent size and sweetness, implementing integrated pest and disease control, and improving post-harvest handling through rapid cooling and advanced packaging. Additionally, sustainable farming practices can further elevate quality and market appeal. Strengthening branding efforts will also be crucial to maintaining a competitive edge in key European markets. Investing in superior post-harvest handling and targeted marketing will help secure strong demand despite rising competition.

Capitalize on Export Demand

Mexican strawberry exporters should leverage strong international demand by prioritizing high-quality fruit and optimizing logistics during peak season. Strengthening partnerships with key buyers and ensuring efficient cold chain management will maximize profitability amid fluctuating prices.

Sources: Tridge, Freshplaza, Fruta de Andalucía SCA, Gulf News, Rabobank, TCD, The Avenue Mail