Information for fruit and vegetables business in CIS
Poland: difficult time for fruit and vegetable processors
This year's weather has not been kind to fruit and vegetable producers, and processors of these materials. Drought, heat, lack of raw materials and energy costs are the main problems they have to face this season.
There was small snowfall in the winter and then a dry spring, then Polish growers struggled with surprisingly high temperatures in July and August. Furthermore, in the second half of August, processing plants has to deal with restrictions in the supply of electricity; a huge problem for frozen food manufacturers.
Such factors will likely have an impact on the entire fruit and vegetable processing sector. Processors fear having difficult access to fruits and vegetables and are also concerned about the quality of raw materials and their price, which can be significantly higher than expected.
Processors openly admit they expect difficulties in obtaining raw materials, especially when it comes to raspberries, cauliflower, broccoli and leeks; however, the prices of agricultural products, including fruit and vegetable prices depend on many factors, primarily demand and supply, not only in Poland but also in the global markets. The political situation also affects price developments. Currently, prices for most types of fruit and vegetables are higher than last year, but lie below the all-time average, and in many cases are lower than in 2013. For the time being, it is therefore too early to assess any potential losses.