Poland's vegetable markets face supply cuts and record prices as heatwave hits crops

In the 2026 season Polish cabbage growers reduced planted area and adopted cautious production plans after a weak 2025 demand year. Domestic supply is expected to be modest, while imports of fresh white and red cabbage reached 22,300 tonnes in the first four months, more than half coming from North Macedonia.

Strawberry wholesale prices in early July ranged between 9‑18 PLN per kilogram, about 16 % lower than the previous year's record level, despite a tight supply. The lower prices reflect a dominance of medium‑ to low‑quality fruit, as many berries were over‑ripe from the heat.

A recent heatwave accelerated cucumber maturation, depleting stocks of field‑grown varieties. Wholesale prices for fresh cucumbers on the Bronisz market surged to 10‑11 zł per kilogram – a level typical of early spring rather than mid‑July – while tunnel‑grown cucumbers fell to around 1.50 zł/kg. The shortage threatens higher costs for consumers preparing traditional pickles.

Overall, the heat‑induced supply constraints across several vegetables are prompting a shift toward higher‑quality produce, increased reliance on imports, and price pressure for Polish shoppers.