Wholesale watermelon prices in Poland have remained unchanged since the first week of August, which aligns with seasonal patterns. Normally, prices begin to rise at the end of August or early September as supply tightens.
The challenge for Polish growers is that prices are stuck at a much lower level than in previous years due to competition from imports. Watermelons from Hungary and Serbia are currently offered at €0.33-0.47/kg, while domestic Polish watermelons sell for €0.47–0.58/kg.
Current import prices are not only below the five-year average but also lower than August 2020 levels. In fact, during the past five years, only in 2021 were imported melons cheaper than this season.
Based on historical trends, prices are expected to rise soon as local supply decreases and import volumes from Hungary, Serbia, and Ukraine begin to decline. In previous seasons, wholesale prices in Poland typically increased in early September, with 2021 being the only exception, when the upward trend started later.
Source: fruitveb.hu