Weather volatility impacts berry harvests in Spain and France

The 2025-26 berry season in Huelva, Spain, was heavily influenced by adverse weather. Autumn and winter storms damaged raspberry crops, strawberry production, and agricultural infrastructure such as macrotunnels. These conditions also impacted the commercial positioning of the fruit. While Spanish supply was limited, much of the production was directed to domestic and Portuguese markets to mitigate export quality risks, allowing competitors to gain international market share.

However, strawberry production saw a recovery in spring following the end of the storms. By the second half of March, volumes increased, resulting in a final strawberry production 2.9% higher than the 2024-25 period. Despite higher volumes, prices were moderated due to diverse market origins and rising production costs, including fuel and inputs.

In France, the strawberry and raspberry season was characterized by extreme contrasts. While spring was favorable, summer heatwaves negatively impacted yields, fruit quality, and season duration. Strawberry yield losses due to weather were estimated between 5% and 20%, with total sector losses in France reaching approximately 10 million euros by late July. Raspberry production also faced difficulties in June and July due to intense price pressure and heat-related challenges.