Polish blueberry exports to non-EU drop 41% as domestic demand remains strong
The Polish market is increasingly attractive to growers compared with export markets, especially given strong demand in the retail and processing sectors.
POLAND – Polish blueberry exports outside the European Union in July 2026 have fallen to 135 tonnes, a 41% year-on-year decline, while domestic demand remains high, keeping local wholesale prices stable.
Polish blueberry exports outside the EU in July 2026 totalled 135 tonnes, compared to 230 tonnes in July 2025 and 169 tonnes in July 2024. The main non-EU destinations were Israel (92 tonnes), the United Arab Emirates (10 tonnes), and Jordan (7 tonnes).
Meanwhile, most exports continued to be directed toward Western European countries such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands, with close to 4,000 tonnes shipped to these markets in July 2025. This shift reflects a strategic focus on maintaining fruit quality for closer, more reliable markets.
Furthermore, preliminary estimates from GUS indicate that the total Polish blueberry harvest in 2026 will be nearly 5% lower than in 2025. The harvest is ongoing, with current picking of ‘Valor’ and upcoming harvests of ‘Cargo’, ‘Liberty’, and the late variety ‘Aurora’.
The ‘Chandler’ variety completed its harvest earlier than usual this season. Adverse weather conditions and intense heat have reduced overall harvest projections, with periods of very high temperatures and intense sunlight causing visible declines in plant condition on unprotected fields.
However, on protected plantations with rain covers, fruit quality and plant condition were maintained at higher levels. Climate protection measures such as rain covers help maintain fruit quality and plant condition during extreme weather events.
These protective systems shield plants from intense sunlight and heat stress, reducing damage and preserving fruit quality for both domestic consumption and export.
On the other hand, domestic consumption of fresh blueberries remains high and is a key factor influencing the trade balance. The Polish market is increasingly attractive to growers compared with export markets, especially given strong demand in the retail and processing sectors.
As a result, Polish growers are increasingly favouring the local retail and processing sectors over distant foreign markets, as strong demand ensures stable prices and lower transport costs.
Meanwhile, despite the decline in non-EU exports, a strong domestic market and stable trade with Western European partners provide a solid foundation for the industry.
Finally, growers continue to prioritize quality improvements and protected cultivation to ensure consistent production in an increasingly variable climate, positioning Poland as a reliable supplier of high-quality blueberries to its primary markets.
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