April 2025 brought challenges for Moldovan raspberry growers. As per EastFruit experts, two spring frost waves impacted berry plantations, notably in northern Moldova.
"We have been in this business since 2014, and, at least in our experience, this year may be the worst since then," notes Yulia Tymoshenko, head of the frozen fruit project at Tiferet, Moldova. "It is estimated that 45–50% of summer raspberry varieties were lost to frost, roughly half of the crop. In Moldova, we primarily grow summer raspberries, with almost no autumn varieties like those in Ukraine. As a result, we anticipate significant challenges in procuring raw materials for freezing in the current season," she adds.
Experts highlight that a wet spring heightened fungal disease risks, such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), potentially affecting yields on already weakened plantations. The market's reduced supply may elevate raspberry prices in 2025, especially in summer. EastFruit suggests that with Moldova's reduced supply and possible Serbia harvest losses, Ukraine might become the top raspberry exporter in the 2025/26 season.
Despite Moldova's harvest setbacks, Serbian and Polish freezing firms are exploring raspberry purchases from the region, likely indicating more pronounced harvest challenges in their areas, as supported by preliminary market estimates.
Moldovan raspberry and berry producers are hopeful for favorable weather for the season's remainder and seek governmental aid to offset the incurred losses.
Source: EastFruit