Polish fruit growers demand competition authority intervene in alleged cherry price‑fixing

The Polish Fruit Growers Association (Związek Sadowników Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej) reports a sharp, unexplained drop in purchase prices for cherries and sour cherries during the 2026 harvest. Despite a poor season marked by spring frosts and a later drought, initial buying prices were favorable but fell dramatically within days.

The growers allege that a cartel of buying firms and processors is colluding to depress prices, citing simultaneous price cuts across many facilities, artificial “technical breaks” and pressure on collection points. In a letter dated 28 July 2026, the association urged the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK) to use its powers to investigate the suspected illegal agreements and to stop the alleged market manipulation.

President Mirosław Maliszewski of the growers’ union emphasized the need for swift action, warning that the current practices threaten the viability of Polish orchards in one of the toughest seasons in recent years.