Blueberry Outlook for Poland: Exports Expected to Decline
- BlueBerry Club
- May 7
- 2 min read
Poland remains one of Europe’s leading blueberry producers, but shifting domestic trends and global competition are set to reduce its role as a major exporter. EastFruit continues its in-depth exploration of global blueberry markets, this time focusing on Poland — a European powerhouse in blueberry production.
Rapid Growth in Production
Between 2018 and 2022, Poland doubled its cultivated blueberry area — from 5,800 hectares to 11,900 hectares. Annual production is currently estimated at 60,000 to 68,000 tons, placing Poland among the top five global producers.
However, average yields in Poland (5.7 t/ha) remain below the global average (8.9 t/ha) and far behind top producers like Peru (14 t/ha). One reason is the dominance of small-scale farms — the average plantation size was only 1.4 hectares in 2022. This fragmentation limits industrial efficiency and coordinated exports.
Shift Toward Domestic Market
Historically, Poland exported up to 30% of its fresh blueberry harvest, mainly to Germany, the UK, and Scandinavia. But this trend is shifting. Domestic consumption is rising, and off-season imports are increasing — from Spain, Morocco, Peru, and South Africa.
In 2022/23, Poland’s blueberry trade balance turned slightly negative, with imports exceeding exports by €6.4 million. Some of Poland’s exports are actually re-exports of Ukrainian blueberries, which offer longer seasons and competitive quality. However, more Ukrainian suppliers are now exporting directly, bypassing Polish intermediaries.
Challenges Facing the Industry
The 2023 season was described as "complicated," with weather-related issues affecting quality and yield. Meanwhile, rising production costs and stagnant prices are reducing profit margins.
Producers are focusing on efficiency, shifting to newer, high-yielding varieties that support mechanical harvesting. Labor shortages are growing as fewer seasonal workers are available — many opting for higher-paying jobs either domestically or abroad.
Cooperation through producer groups and shared facilities is increasingly essential for maintaining competitiveness.
Forecast to 2030: Stabilization Over Expansion
Poland’s industry may be approaching a turning point. While production could increase slightly to 70,000+ tons by 2030, more of that volume will likely stay on the domestic market or be used for processing.
Exports are expected to decline as a share of total production, especially with a potential drop in re-export volumes from Ukraine. And while Poland gained access to the Chinese market in 2023, meaningful expansion there is unlikely due to China’s own rising output.
Conclusion
Poland remains a key mid-summer supplier and one of Europe’s top blueberry producers. However, its global export role may decline as domestic demand grows and competition from warmer regions — including Mexico, Ukraine, and China — intensifies.