Harvest losses in Europe - fruits and vegetables are running out

The numbers are rather dramatic: Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Austria, Poland and other Eastern European countries suffered from a significant reduction of yields of the fruit harvest compared to previous years. First estimations expected losses of 60 to 70 percent for sour cherries, especially from Poland. Strawberries suffered from a reduction of 30 percent, raspberry yields are expected to be 20 percent lower than in previous years.

The situation is equally bad for plums (-65 percent), blueberries (-75 to 85 percent), rhubarb (-50 percent), red and black currant (-50 and -55 percent respectively). Apples are expected to suffer from severe losses as well; more accurate numbers will only be available in the next few weeks.

The processing industry in Europe is worried about this development on the market. They fear significant price surges for raw fruit and end-products containing fruit for consumers, due to the shortages. This will probably be a very difficult year, even though the full extent of the losses is not clear yet. Detailed numbers as to the consequences for Europe, are expected this fall at the earliest. One thing is already clear though: The small yields will put the sector under immense pressure. The cause of the losses was the devastating weather of the past few months. The first warm days this year were followed by frost, damaging early bloomers. In April and May large parts of the fruit in blossom were destroyed by continuous rain and heat.

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