Harvest update: Poland’s fruit crops feel the heat this summer

It’s been a year of challenging weather conditions so far in 2026 – from spring frosts to summer heatwaves – across our main fruit and vegetable growing regions. As we head into autumn, we caught up with our partner growers and agronomy team for a spotlight on Poland. Here, we share an update on how limited rainfall is impacting crop development, yields and fruit sizing, and what this means for the season ahead.

According to Statistics Poland (GUS), tree fruit production is estimated at 3.4 million tonnes, 18.6% below 2025, while field vegetable production is expected to reach 3.9 million tonnes by the end of the year (-4.5% YoY). Berry and bush fruit output has followed the same trend, down around 6.5% on 2025’s harvest. As the season progresses, regional availability, quality and final volumes will remain key factors to watch.

Here’s how each category is shaping up:

Raspberry

The summer crop has ended with lower volumes and visible crop losses. The autumn crop is now underway, but volumes are small and fruit on the fields is green and ripening slowly – a pattern also being seen across the border in Ukraine. Supply is tighter than normal, with the final outcome still dependent on weather conditions. Total summer and autumn volume is expected at 60,000-65,000 tonnes; the autumn crop can partly offset the weaker summer harvest. Early estimates from Poland’s Statistical Office point to a 23% decline in raspberry production to 60,900 tonnes, with frost damage followed by dry weather and heatwaves reducing both yield and the share of fruit suitable for processing.

Sour cherry

The season began in July, with good volumes continuing through to mid-August, though overall it was delayed by around two weeks. Frost damage reduced the crop, with losses varying by orchard region– although they ultimately proved less severe than initial estimates. GUS expects national sour cherry production to decline 10.8% year on year, to 125,800 tonnes.

Blackcurrant and currants

Total currant production is up 4.4% on 2025, with blackcurrant output estimated at 84,600 tonnes. On the ground, the Polish blackcurrant crop resumed in the first week of July and wrapped up almost as quickly – the season has already finished. Raw material supply for processing is around 40% below last year, as spring frosts, low rainfall and summer heatwaves impacted crops more than initially expected.

Strawberry

The season started early-to-mid June, about a week later than expected, and ran shorter than normal. Frost followed by a late-June heatwave compressed the harvest window and squeezed volumes as a result.

Aronia

August brought high prices, driven by demand for individually quick frozen (IQF) product, but prices have since eased as the harvest has progressed.

Red beet

The red beet harvest is currently in full swing. Keep an eye on our next harvest update to see how it progresses.

Looking ahead

With several crops still developing and quality across several categories affected by this year’s frost followed by heatwaves, weather over the coming weeks will remain the key factor shaping final volumes – both in Poland and in the wider growing regions. Our teams continue to work closely with growers across the region to monitor conditions and support consistent supply for our customers.

If you’d like to keep up to date with our latest harvest developments and learn more about our approach to agronomy, get in touch today.