2021 harvest preview
Just over one year on from our last harvest preview, and even further on from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic which had so many implications on last year’s harvest, we are back to share this year’s insights and predictions with you, directly from the fields.
In Poland, there has recently been turbulent weather conditions in key growing regions, with hailstorms and strong winds impacting the fields, in combination with high humidity and soaring temperatures. However, highly sought-after summer raspberries are available and ready to pick this week, although we could potentially see a lower quantity than last year – resulting in rising prices. Meanwhile, autumn raspberries are also growing well, although these are still in the early stages of development, and we don’t expect the crop to be ready until early August.
As of late June, the redcurrant crop is looking very promising, with availability of the fruit predicted to rise once ready to pick around the second week of July, and the Polish sour cherry orchards are full of fruit. Early blackcurrant varieties (accounting for up to 60% of the crop) have ripened and we expect them to be ready by the end of the week, with later varieties ready around 10 days after – we predict that, due to high demand, prices of this fruit will increase in 2021. The Polish strawberry season is now ending – with the dynamic weather conditions undoubtedly affecting the crop, we will have a clearer indication of volumes available over the coming week.
Meanwhile, over in Serbia, the raspberry season is in full swing – with high prices partially driven by demand for IQF fruit. However, temperatures are very high currently – reaching close to 40°C – which is causing fruits such as raspberries and sour cherries to stop ripening and occasionally dry up. Rest assured that we will keep a close eye on the situation in Serbian fields, but we are predicting that quantities will be down on last year, due the extreme weather conditions.
Overall, the quality of fruit and vegetable being produced across Europe remains high. As always, our dedicated team of agronomists are working closely with farmers and growers to monitor the fields and assess the expected volumes and yield for 2021. And, of course, we will be in touch directly if there are any important developments in the meantime.
