News
Trade4go
Apr 18th, 2025
Original content
Algeria faces a strawberry surplus, leading to prices lower than potatoes, with strawberries costing USD 0.45 per kilogram (EUR 0.40/kg) due to overproduction and limited domestic consumption. The favorable climate supports high yields, but the lack of export infrastructure and marketing limits access to international markets. Despite this, entrepreneurial efforts to export strawberries have shown potential. To unlock this opportunity, investments in logistics, infrastructure, and branding are necessary. Government support could help improve profitability and position Algeria as a competitive exporter in the global market.
Brazil and Peru are exploring expanded trade relations, with a focus on mutual market access. In a recent meeting held at the headquarters of Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA), Peru expressed interest in exporting strawberries, raspberries, and potatoes to Brazil. In return, Brazil aims to increase its poultry exports to Peru. The potential inclusion of Peruvian strawberries into the Brazilian market may offer new supply opportunities, supported by improved logistics via the Port of Chancay.
In Feb-25, Chinese strawberry exports to Russia reached a record high of USD 1.75 million, marking a 3.3-fold increase compared to Jan-24 and the highest level since May-22. This surge reflects growing demand amid reduced European supply and improved China-Russia cold chain logistics. With prices 30% lower than domestic Russian strawberries, Chinese strawberries have become a competitive and preferred option for consumers during the spring season.
The French strawberry season, which began slowly due to cold weather, is now entering a phase of intense production, with a record peak expected in early Apr-25. Over 1,000 metric tons (mt) of Gariguette strawberries were harvested in W14, alongside a large quantity of round strawberries. The Strawberries and Raspberries Producers Federation of France, which represents 600 producers, is urging consumers and supermarkets to support national production, especially as Spanish strawberry production will peak at the same time. While cold winter conditions had limited French strawberry volumes earlier, the peak in production is expected to meet consumer demand for Easter. The association stresses the importance of supporting local agriculture, as strawberries are a fragile and perishable product.
South Korea has finalized a quarantine agreement to export strawberries to Brazil, marking the fruit's first entry into the Latin American market. This follows eight years of negotiations with Brazilian authorities. As a major export product, South Korean strawberries—already shipped to markets like Singapore and Thailand—are expected to gain new global momentum. Exporters must comply with strict registration and quarantine procedures to ensure pest-free shipments. The agreement is a strategic step toward broader access to Latin America's 600 million consumers.
Florida's strawberry season faced significant challenges, with growers reporting tough market conditions, especially towards the end of the season. An overabundance of strawberries, compounded by competition from other regions like Central Mexico and California, drove prices down. Additionally, the hurricane season caused severe damage to crops, resulting in financial strain for many farmers. Looking ahead, growers are concerned about losing key chemicals used to combat fungal diseases, which could impact strawberry production. There is a shift towards more resistant strawberry varieties, but the industry faces pressure to move towards organic or biological farming methods, though this transition remains challenging and may lead to higher prices and reduced supply.
The United States (US) strawberry export industry achieved significant growth in 2024, with fresh strawberry exports rising by 20% year-on-year (YoY) to 351.5 million pounds (lbs), valued at USD 570.3 million. This made strawberries the third most valuable fresh fruit export in the US, following apples and grapes. Canada remained the top destination, while Mexico's share of imports from the US also increased. Processed strawberries accounted for 8% of export value. Additionally, fresh strawberry imports to the US decreased slightly by less than 1%, totaling 585.4 million lbs, with Mexico supplying 98% of these imports.
Mexico's strawberry prices saw a significant increase in W15, rising to USD 1.86/kg, reflecting a 28.28% week-on-week (WoW) increase and a 52.46% month-on-month (MoM) rise from USD 1.22/kg. This surge in prices is attributed to adverse weather conditions in key strawberry-producing regions, particularly in Michoacán and Baja California, which have led to tighter supply due to crop damage and delayed harvests. The reduced availability, combined with steady demand from both domestic and export markets, has pushed prices higher.
However, on a YoY basis, prices have dropped by 7.46%, largely due to a slow recovery from previous overproduction cycles and ongoing market adjustments after the tight supply and high prices of the previous year. This price trend indicates that while current supply constraints are pushing prices up, improved supply in the coming months could stabilize or lower prices, depending on weather and harvest conditions.
In W15, US strawberry prices rose to USD 3.79/kg, driven by strong retail demand and limited early-season supply, marking a 21.09% WoW increase. Despite favorable weather and good fruit quality from early harvests in California, supply has yet to peak, with retailers capitalizing on high-quality fruit for promotions. However, prices fell 29.29% YoY as the peak harvest season approaches, typically from late April through June. As supply increases in the coming weeks, prices are expected to decline, with earlier surpluses and high production levels from last year contributing to the YoY drop.
In W15, Egypt's strawberry prices dropped to USD 0.35/kg, marking a 20.45% WoW decrease. This decline is attributed to the conclusion of the fresh strawberry season and the shift to the frozen strawberry campaign, which typically commands lower prices due to changes in demand and product type. While international demand from markets like the Gulf, Asia, and Africa remained steady, reduced post-Christmas demand from Europe and ongoing high production and shipping costs exerted downward pressure on prices. The transition to less premium frozen products also contributed to this price decrease.
In W15, Italy's strawberry prices increased to USD 3.82/kg, a 0.79% WoW rise, but decreased by 10.33% YoY. The price increase is primarily attributed to the recent rainfall in large parts of Italy, which has negatively affected the quality and shelf life of strawberries. Despite this, the overall price trend reflects the increased availability of strawberries due to the adoption of advanced cultivation methods, such as the table-top, double-row gutter system. This system has significantly boosted yields and improved quality, leading to a larger supply in the market. Additionally, the transition from higher-priced early-season strawberries to the standard crop has contributed to the price fluctuation.
To capitalize on Algeria's strawberry surplus, stakeholders should focus on improving export infrastructure and developing a strong branding strategy. This includes enhancing cold chain logistics and marketing efforts to boost international demand, supported by targeted investments and government collaboration.
Given the rising competition and price fluctuations in the US strawberry market, producers should consider diversifying their sourcing strategies. This includes increasing imports from other countries South Korea, and Peru to complement domestic production and reduce over-reliance on single regions, especially during peak seasons.
Sources: Tridge, Canal Rural, Fresh Plaza, Fruit Net, Horti Daily
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