Although Poland is relatively new to the commercial cultivation of raspberries, it has become the largest raspberry producer in the European Union. Between 2006 to 2016, Polish raspberry cultivation has doubled and the raspberry area has increased to 29,300 ha. In 2020, Polish raspberry production amounted to 116,000 tonnes, an increase of 53% compared to 2019. 80% of Polish raspberries are processed into juice and jam. Poland has also become a major exporter of frozen raspberries, especially to the other EU markets.
Most Polish farms are not irrigated and are dependent on favourable weather conditions. Despite the spring drought and frost, the raspberry varieties produced an abundant harvest in the spring. The rainfall in May and June also ensured a good harvest for all autumn varieties. In Poland, the raspberries harvested in the fall account for 60% of the total yield. The Polish autumn varieties can bear fruit until October.
Polish raspberries are harvested by hand and in recent years growers have experienced a seasonal shortage of labour. In 2020, Covid-19 restrictions prevented many Ukrainian workers from entering Poland, increasing labour costs for local producers.
Source: USDA