According to forecasts on September 1st, 2026, French strawberry production is expected to reach 73,400 tons this year, a figure very close to that of 2025. However, this stability masks a particularly uneven growing season, with high production up to April, followed by a period from May onwards in which production was more severely affected by weather conditions. In July, prices remained strong, +10% year-on-year and +13% compared with the 2021-2025 average.
Stable acreage and production close to 2025 levels
The national area under strawberry cultivation is estimated at 3,669 hectares for the 2026 season, a level close to last year. National production, estimated at 73,400 tons, is also expected to be very close to that of 2025, nationally and across all production regions.
Compared with the five-year average, however, volumes are expected to rise by 3%. This trend masks contrasting situations depending on production methods, with an 8% increase in greenhouse production and an 11% decline in open-field production.
A succession of peaks and dips throughout the season
The annual stability masks significant fluctuations in available volumes throughout the season. Production was particularly high until April, before becoming more limited.
From May onwards, several weather events affected the growing season. “The hot weather from June onwards caused over-ripening, deformities and flower abortion,” according to the Agreste market report. Irrigation restrictions may also have affected yields locally, while pest pressure increased over the summer. These various factors weighed on volumes in June and July.
Prices rose in July
Despite the quality of the strawberries being affected by the heatwave, prices remained firm. In July, selling prices were 10% higher than those recorded a year earlier and 13% above the 2021-2025 average.
The end of the season, however, appears to be more challenging from a commercial perspective. “Residual trade was more difficult in August,” according to the Agreste market report.
Exports dropped by 20% between January and July
Over the first seven months of 2026, French strawberry exports totaled 6,900 tons, including significant volumes of re-exports. This represents a 20% decline compared with the same period last year.
At the same time, imports rose by 4% to 55,300 tons. The French market penetration rate stood at 47% over the period, a level similar to that of the previous season.
Finally, the trade deficit in volume terms increased by 9% year-on-year to reach 48,400 tons.
Source: horti daily
