Strong Ruble Boost: Affordable Strawberries Furnished by currency strengthening
Rewritten Article:
In 2025, the Ministry of Agriculture plans to harvest approximately 2.1 million tons of fruit crops and berries, which is an increase from the 1.9 million tons harvested the previous year. Apples are expected to make up about 76% of the total, according to Irina Koziy, the head of the "Berry Academy" project and the general director of FruitNews. However, Koziy notes, it's difficult to determine the exact berry yield at this moment since the season is only just beginning, and factors like frosts and droughts may impact the final yield.
While winter was generally unfavorable last year, two instances of typical winter frosts in late winter could have caused significant damage to plants that had awakened from the warmth. Koziy suggests that these frosts will leave their mark on the harvest of most fruit and berry crops for at least the next season.
As for the price of berries, it's uncertain whether they will rise due to the Russian market being heavily influenced by imported products. However, the strengthening ruble's exchange rate is currently benefiting the market by lowering the cost of all imported fruits. While there's a seasonal peak in the supply of imported berries from various countries, Russian supplies account for roughly 16% of the market, compared to just 10% last year.
Regarding strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and grapes, more information can be found in the photo gallery on our website.
Analytically speaking, the severe frosts of 2025 are expected to have considerable negative effects on the yields of strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and grapes in Russia. The potential damage to flower buds and young shoots during critical stages could lead to lower yields and degraded quality. As a result, prices for these fruit crops and berries may increase, given the resulting diminished supply and higher production risks. Monitoring and protective measures will be crucial throughout the growing season to mitigate these adverse effects.
Although specific data on Russia's fruit crops in 2025 is scarce, the severe frost events observed in neighboring regions with similar climates strongly indicate adverse effects on yields and subsequent price increases for key fruit crops and berries in Russia.
- Irina Koziy, the head of the "Berry Academy" project, predicts a potential increase in the rate of berry prices due to the expected impact of severe frosts in 2025 on the yields of strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and grapes.
- According to Koziy, the strengthening ruble's exchange rate in 2025 may serve as a counterbalance to the potential rise in berry prices, as it lowers the cost of imported fruits.
- In her analysis, Koziy suggests that the severe frosts of 2025 may leave a lasting impact on the lifestyle and food-and-drink sector, particularly affecting the quantity and quality of fresh fruit crops and berries available for consumers.
- To combat the potential negative effects of the severe frosts in 2025, homeowners and gardeners might want to consider planting new, frost-resistant strains of their favorite fruit-bearing plants and berry bushes in their gardens, as part of a more sustainable and self-sufficient lifestyle in the future.
