Polish strawberries face farmer challenges, retail price cuts and fragrance boom
Strawberry farmer Maciej Kucharski of Nowe Płoniawy describes a year‑round cultivation cycle that includes digging deep water wells, battling drought, disease and a three‑year production ban after diseased seedlings were discovered. The farm once covered 24 ha and employed over 160 workers, but the ban and lower‑quality plant material have sharply reduced output.
From 8 to 10 June 2026 the discount chain Biedronka lowered the price of a kilogram of Polish strawberries by 25 %, selling them for 14.99 zł instead of the regular 19.99 zł. Lidl ran a simultaneous promotion, offering loose Polish strawberries for 19.99 zł/kg, a 33 % discount from the previous 29.99 zł/kg price.
The strawberry scent is also trending in perfumery. New releases such as Balmain’s Destin de Balmain, Burberry Her (and its Elixir version), Juliette Has A Gun Miami Shake and YSL Mon Paris feature strawberry notes blended with peony, sandalwood, vanilla and other accords.
Health advice stresses washing strawberries before consumption. Recommended methods include rinsing under cold water, a 15‑minute soak in a solution of one tablespoon baking soda per litre of water, or a similar soak in diluted apple‑cider vinegar, followed by thorough rinsing and drying.