Strawberry Output Slips in Poland

WASHINGTON - Oct 14/05 - SNS -- Fresh strawberry production in Poland dropped from 180,000 metric tons (MT) last year to an estimated 160,000 MT this year because of a two-week delay in the harvest and indignation by growers over low prices, according to a recent report from the U.S. agricultural attache for the country.

Lower prices offered by processors were caused by the very cheap imports from Chinese suppliers, as well as lower quality of Polish fruit. It is estimated that Polish exports of fresh strawberries will reach about 21,000 MT. Germany, Netherlands, and Belgium remain the main buyers. Minimal quantities of table varieties were imported from Spain.

The increase in fresh strawberry output in 2004 increased the amount available for the processing industry. Due to large production, strawberry prices were at the lowest level since 2001, which resulted in increased stocks.

These stocks were sold partially in the first half of 2005, the agricultural attache explained. Prices offered by the processing industry for fresh strawberries continue to decrease, as do export prices. A 46% drop was registered between the average export price in the first half of 2004 and the same period of 2005.

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