Currants and raspberries have established themselves in German berry production. While protected raspberries are available from the end of May, the currant harvest will start in mid-June. What are the harvest prospects this year? And what have been the recent market changes?
In terms of production volume, redcurrants rank second and raspberries third in the berry ranking. They have one thing in common: both berries are expected to have a better harvest than last year. This is shown by an AMI survey of the main production markets that sell berries.
RASPBERRIES AND CURRANTS ON THE UPSWING
With regard to production and marketing, as well as competition, there have been several developments in recent years. In the case of raspberries, protected cultivation has experienced strong growth. Almost 70% of the raspberries harvested in Germany today come from protected cultivation.
Currants, on the other hand, remain a classic outdoor crop. The cultivated area increased by a total of 25% between 2016 and 2021.
RASPBERRIES ARE A YEAR-ROUND PRODUCT
While currants have retained their seasonal character and imports play only a minor role, raspberries have come under strong competitive pressure from imports in recent years. Raspberry imports increased by a total of 141% between 2011 and 2021. Year-round availability has meant that household purchases are no longer concentrated in the summer months, but are spread over a much wider period.
HOW WILL THE 2022 SEASON BEGIN?
The harvest prospects for raspberries and currants in Germany are good. After the experiences of the asparagus and strawberry seasons, the question is whether consumers will also be reluctant to buy these berries or whether there will be a strong seasonal demand for these fruits. It has already been shown with asparagus and strawberries that demand can be a decisive factor in price formation.
Source: AMI
