Strawberry Prices Explained

Strawberry prices show modest trends as bumper supply treats the market despite challenging weather systems during the growing period. However, the limited demand and occasional purchases from consumers, particularly in the European market resulted in reduced supply from the global supply.

Why are strawberry prices fluctuating?

1. Seasonality

Strawberries are a seasonal crop. Thus, its prices typically lower during peak growing seasons and higher during off-seasons when supply is limited.

For example, the strawberry season in Spain lasts from January until October. On the other hand, Morocco has a shorter picking time, from November to January which replaces Spain in its off-season. In Asia, China and South Korea are the two largest producers. Chinese strawberry harvest season begins in December and ends in June. Overall, the differences in these harvesting times add to its fluctuating value.

2. Weather Conditions

Adverse weather conditions such as droughts, frost, or excessive rain influence strawberry yields and quality, leading to varying prices.

For instance, the first two quarters of last year saw significant market changes in the U.S. as California (the largest strawberry-producing state) lost around 1300 acres of strawberries due to heavy flooding and unusually high rainfall.

3. Transportation and Distribution Costs

Fluctuations in fuel prices, transportation costs, and other logistical factors affect the overall cost of strawberries. Due to insufficient strawberry yields in Cameroon, Africa, strawberries posted a high-value last year. As a result, local strawberries were considered a luxury for the general public.

4. Market Competition

The U.S. strawberry industry saw increasing competition against Mexico as the latter overtook Florida as the country’s winter strawberry supplier to the American market.

Mexico’s imports increased fourfold, creating tremendous pressure on Florida growers. Consequently, Florida strawberries’ production value fell from $370 million to $201 million in just two years due to the extreme weather temperatures that affected the state’s yields.

Which variables impact the price of strawberries?

• Seasonality
• Weather Conditions
• Transportation and Distribution Costs
• Market Competition
• Demand

Where do strawberries come from?

Strawberries are native to many regions such as Europe, North America, and Asia. They typically grow in temperate climates and are commonly cultivated production in countries such as the United States, Mexico, Spain, and Poland.

Today, China dominates the commodity’s production and regards this fruit as its important commercial crop. Hebei, Shandong, and Liaoning are the top strawberry-producing regions in China.

Harvesting strawberries takes numerous steps to preserve their quality. This is a summary of the procedure:

1. Field Inspection – Farmers check the strawberry fields to determine the fruit’s freshness before harvesting. This entails looking at the berries and determining their size, color, and firmness.

2. Timing – Cool weather early in the morning is the perfect time to harvest this fruit as heat causes berries to soften and degrade more quickly.

3. Hand-Picking – Traditionally, agricultural laborers pick strawberries by hand. By selecting the ripe berries by hand, unripe berries are left on the plant to continue maturing. Additionally, it lessens harm to the fragile fruit.

4. Handling – The berries are carefully put into clamshells, trays, or baskets. Berries that have been bruised or crushed must be handled carefully because they will quickly rot.

5. Sorting and Grading – Strawberries are graded and classified according to size, color, and quality after harvest.

6. Packaging – Then, they are packed into punnets, clamshells, or other containers appropriate for retail sale once they are sorted. More importantly, the packaging needs to be durable enough to keep the berries safe while being stored and transported.

7. Storage and Transportation – To preserve freshness, the strawberries are kept in a cold atmosphere after packaging.
Transporting berries at a controlled temperature helps guarantee that they stay at their best during the journey.

What are the uses of strawberries?

1. Eating Fresh – Strawberries are commonly eaten as a delicious and nutritious snack. They are rich in vitamin C and other antioxidants, they lower the chance of developing serious illnesses like diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke.

2. Baking – They are often used in baking, such as in pies, cakes, muffins, and tarts.

3. Preserves and Jams – They are made into preserves, jams, and jellies to enjoy them year-round.

4. Smoothies – Strawberries are a popular ingredient in smoothies, adding a sweet and tangy flavor.

5. Salads – Strawberries are added to salads for a pop of color and flavor.

6. Desserts – Strawberries are commonly used in desserts like ice cream, sorbet, and parfaits.

7. Skincare – Strawberry’s exfoliating qualities help oily and acne-prone skin to minimize sebum production and breakouts.  Also, it removes dry patches from dry skin and subtly brightens dull skin.

What is the future price of strawberries?

Many variables affect strawberry prices such as supply and demand, weather, and market trends. However, experts predicted that strawberry value will mostly go upward, with seasonal fluctuations possible based on existing trends and estimates.

The emerging need for superfoods due to their high nutritional value is a major factor driving the worldwide fresh strawberry market. Furthermore, the expanding food processing industry contributes to the market’s rise. Growing e-commerce supply channels and a strong food supply chain make it more accessible to customers, fuelling market expansion.

Thus, the strawberry wholesale price will be $5.42 per kilogram in 2030. Overall, the market for fresh strawberries is estimated to rise at a CAGR of 4.7% from USD 19.21 billion to USD 27.82 billion in 2030.