Prices of frozen raspberries rose sharply in August due to the low availability of raw materials. According to Food News, according to analysis by Fortis Bank, the average price of frozen raspberries (Polana IQF) in Poland in early October was 3.18 euros/kg, an increase of about 52% compared with the average price in July. This is an 83% increase compared to the same period last year.
The price of frozen raspberries in Serbia has also risen. Food News notes that although raspberry production in the country has increased this year (+7%) compared to last year, frozen raspberries (Willamette IQF) were sold at €3.00/kg in early October, this is a 55% increase compared to the same period last year.
Reduced supplies on the EU market and higher prices for frozen raspberries may lead the EU to import more frozen raspberries from countries such as Chile and China. In 2014, due to the lack of price competitiveness of these imported raspberries, EU imports of frozen raspberries from these countries were small, only 131,000 and 14,000 metric tons respectively.
The price of frozen raspberries on the EU market is likely to remain high, as raspberry supplies from outside the EU can only cover the shortfall to a small extent.