The Facebook page Vakmajom draws attention to stark price discrepancies between Budapest and Athens markets: Hungarian cherries and strawberries are priced at more than double compared to their Greek counterparts. In Athens, a kilogram of cherries costs 5 euros, while in Budapest the price is equivalent to 12.5 euros or 4,980 forints. Similar disparities exist for strawberries; they command 2,980 forints (7.5 euros) per kilo in Budapest, compared to only 2 euros in Athens, as reported by Agrárszektor.hu.
The considerable price differences are attributed to substantial production challenges. Frost and adverse weather conditions in the spring of 2024 severely impacted Hungary's domestic strawberry and cherry production, as noted by Ferenc Apáti, president of FruitVeB. Frost waves in April and early May inflicted damage considered extraordinary even over a ten-year period, affecting peaches, apricots, cherries, plums, sour cherries, and apples. Agricultural economist György Raskó highlighted that cherries suffered gravely, with an 80-90% crop loss, leading to an inevitable increase in imported fresh table cherries and consequent higher consumer prices.
The strawberry sector faces unique difficulties apart from frost damage. Despite a 22% increase in cultivation to 704 hectares in 2024, harvesting remains challenging. Though greenhouse yields are average, open-field crops experienced up to 80% loss due to frost. Furthermore, inclement weather, notably May's cool and overcast conditions, delayed ripening. Labor shortages and rising wages have exacerbated the issue, increasing picking costs while mechanization solutions remain elusive. Consequently, market strawberries are costlier and arrive later than expected.
The climate impacts on production, along with labor challenges, underscore the interconnected nature of agricultural operations and market dynamics. As prices fluctuate between regions, understanding underlying agricultural conditions becomes pivotal for stakeholders in the high-tech greenhouse sector. These insights necessitate adaptive strategies to navigate agricultural production in constantly evolving environments.
Source: Trade Magazin