Fieldstone, a family-operated entity in Poland, is entering the upcoming year with a forward-looking approach toward berry cultivation. Specializing in raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and redcurrants, with a notable focus on lingonberries, Fieldstone stands as Europe's premier lingonberry producer.
For 2025, the company has outlined plans for advancing fruit cultivation techniques, employee skill enhancement, and production augmentation. Robert Bełdowski and Ewa Kowalska, representing Fieldstone, shared insights with Fruitnet on their expansion strategy, "We plan to grow our raspberries on another 7 hectares, mainly of the Malling Bella variety, but we will test new varieties such as Malaika and Serena, which are commercially attractive." They are also setting up a new plantation in central Poland to concentrate on blueberries, redcurrants, and notably, organic fruit production, adding an additional 35 ha.
Furthermore, Fieldstone aims to refine blueberry production processes, maintaining its status as a leading blueberry producer in Europe. Innovations include the development of biofortified blueberries enriched with iodine and selenium, addressing common dietary deficiencies.
Fieldstone's production metrics have seen an upswing, driven by rising consumer demand for fresh, healthy produce. The company's export business, particularly to key EU markets, comprised 76% of its product distribution last year. Production figures for the previous year included over 1,000 tons of raspberries, 600 tons of cranberries, 200 tons of blueberries, and 100 tons of red currants.
Bełdowski and Kowalska attribute the positive trajectory of the berry sector to increasing consumer health awareness and a preference for natural, nutritious snacks, a trend accelerated by the Covid-19 pandemic. They emphasize the growing consumer interest in products from producers committed to environmental stewardship, high labor standards, and safe preservation methods. Fieldstone's commitment to organic farming practices is a key part of its identity and growth strategy in the berry market, especially among farms transitioning to organic product lines.
Source: Blueberries Consulting