Polish raspberry wonder
It seems that raspberry production in Poland is enjoying its golden times. With smart management this trend can continue for longer time.
Ukraine is not the competition
Around 50 thousand tons of raspberries are produced in Ukraine annually, which is slightly less than in Poland. However, it turns out that at the moment this is the maximum amount of fruit that the Ukrainian market can absorb. Two years ago, there was a collapse in prices in Ukraine, which showed that local production had reached its limits. This is precisely the opportunity for raspberries from Poland - the fresh fruit market in Ukraine is small and can be easily developed.
Production volume
It is estimated that there are now around 1000 ha of raspberries under cover in Poland. The total value of Polish production is PLN 500 million for processing and PLN 700 million for fresh fruit. It is estimated that the fresh fruit market will continue to dominate over processing, as the one with the highest increase in value.
Processing
90% of the world's raspberry concentrate is produced in Poland. Additionally, Poland is entering the new season with relatively small reserves of concentrate, which will result in increased demand and probably an increase in purchase prices. Polish raspberry processing is very well developed: in addition to the concentrate itself, Polish plants also produce juices, puree and freeze the fruit. Poland processes about 100 thousand tons of fruit annually. Raspberries produced for processing are harvested mechanically.
Raspberry production in the Netherlands
Raspberry production in the Netherlands is decreasing. The reason for this trend is the lack of hands to work. In Poland, the average pay is 7 euros/hour and in the Netherlands even 20 euros. Nevertheless, the cost of living in the Netherlands means that there are still problems with employees. Therefore, companies trading in this fruit come to Poland to buy goods here, not to sell them.
Challenges
The only challenge for Polish raspberries is therefore the further consolidation of the industry - both producers and traders, in order to be able to obtain a product of uniform and good quality and to be able to offer it at competitive prices on foreign markets.
Source: summary made based on the public debate during TSW fair in Kielce.