Fresh Strawberry Market Size, Growth Report, 2033

Fresh Strawberry Market Overview

The Fresh Strawberry Market size was valued at USD 20998.65 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 28366.02 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The global fresh strawberry market is driven by both production scale and consumer demand across diverse regions. In 2023, global strawberry production reached over 10.5 million metric tons, with China accounting for more than 4.1 million metric tons, which represents approximately 39% of total output. The United States ranked second, producing over 1 million metric tons, with California alone contributing about 90% of the U.S. supply. In India, the town of Mahabaleshwar in Maharashtra contributes over 85% of the country's strawberry output, driven by favorable climatic conditions and targeted cultivation practices.

Europe also plays a critical role in production, particularly Spain, which exported approximately 360,000 metric tons of fresh strawberries in 2023, primarily to other European Union countries. On the consumption side, the UK recorded strawberry sales of over 85,000 metric tons during its peak season, reflecting strong consumer preferences for locally grown berries. Furthermore, Japan has invested heavily in high-quality, premium strawberry varieties such as ""Amaou"" and ""Tochiotome,"" which are often sold at prices exceeding ¥800 per pack (~$5.50). With expanding acreage, vertical farming methods, and enhanced post-harvest handling techniques, the market is positioned for sustainable, high-volume distribution across retail, foodservice, and export channels.

Key Findings

Driver: Rising consumer demand for fresh, organic, and antioxidant-rich fruits is significantly boosting the fresh strawberry market.

Top Country/Region: China dominates the global market, contributing more than 4.1 million metric tons, or approximately 39% of global fresh strawberry production.

Top Segment: The fresh strawberry segment leads due to direct consumption demand and short shelf-life considerations, accounting for a majority share in both developed and developing markets.

Fresh Strawberry Market Trends

The global fresh strawberry market continues to evolve under the influence of key trends shaping production, supply chain efficiency, and consumer behavior. In 2024, worldwide strawberry production reached 10.5 million tonnes, marking a 39.4% increase compared to 2017 levels. Farmers in China, responsible for around 4.1 million tonnes (≈39%) of output, and the United States, producing about 1.3 million tonnes, remain central to this expansion. Greater consumer demand for high-quality, fresh strawberries is further pushed by global imports reaching 957,000 tonnes in 2024, although this volume is slightly lower than the 1.1 million tonnes peak in 2022. One clear trend is the expansion of vertical farming and controlled‑environment agriculture (CEA). In the UK, a high-density indoor farm invested £6 million to grow 600,000 punnets per year using LED lighting and combined heat and power systems. Tesco-backed vertical farms in Britain achieve 3.5× yield per square metre while using 50% less water than traditional methods.

In academia, autonomous systems like Robofruit can identify and harvest strawberries with 95% ripeness detection accuracy and 83% success rate across various varieties. Co-bots that assist pickers have also raised hiring efficiency by 10% and cut idle time by 60%. Consumer preferences also shape trends. In the U.S., organic strawberry sales reached $441.8 million in 2022, representing nearly 6% of total organic produce sales in the U.S. and Canada. Meanwhile, Spain’s Andalusia region experienced a 2% volume increase and 10% value rise in strawberry exports during the 2023–24 season. Seasonal weather patterns affect supply and pricing. A wet spring in Britain in 2024 delayed harvesting, while a warm, sunny spring in 2025—with 20 °C daytime and 9 °C nighttime temperatures in May—led to plum-sized strawberries and a 25% increase in supermarket sales, dropping punnet prices from £2.50 to £1.50.

Fresh Strawberry Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Rising demand for health-conscious and antioxidant-rich fresh fruits.

The primary driver fueling growth in the fresh strawberry market is the increasing consumer preference for nutritious, health-benefiting foods. Strawberries are widely recognized for their high vitamin C content—approximately 58.8 mg per 100 grams—and antioxidant-rich compounds such as anthocyanins and flavonoids. In the United States, fresh strawberry per capita consumption increased from 2.8 pounds in 2000 to over 7.1 pounds in 2023, indicating a significant shift toward fruit-based diets. Globally, the demand for fresh strawberries in urban and semi-urban populations has surged, especially in health-driven markets such as Japan, Germany, and South Korea.

RESTRAINT

Limited shelf life and high post-harvest losses.

One of the significant restraints in the fresh strawberry market is the short shelf life of the fruit, which contributes to high post-harvest losses. Fresh strawberries typically have a shelf life of 3–7 days, depending on storage conditions. As per recent estimates, nearly 20%–25% of harvested strawberries are lost during transit and storage due to their delicate nature. Countries like India face higher wastage, reportedly as high as 30%, primarily due to inadequate cold chain infrastructure.

OPPORTUNITY

Technological advancements in controlled-environment agriculture and vertical farming.

A promising opportunity lies in the adoption of controlled-environment agriculture (CEA) and vertical farming, which are revolutionizing strawberry cultivation. Indoor farms equipped with hydroponic systems and LED lighting can increase yield density by up to 30 times compared to traditional soil-based methods. In the UK, one vertical farm produced 600,000 strawberry punnets annually using only 0.5 hectares of indoor space. Similarly, U.S.-based startup Oishii has scaled up to a 240,000 square-foot vertical farm in New Jersey capable of year-round premium strawberry cultivation.

CHALLENGE

Rising production and operational costs.

Rising costs of inputs such as fertilizers, labor, and packaging materials pose a serious challenge to the fresh strawberry industry. In 2023, fertilizer prices increased by 15%, driven by global supply chain disruptions. Labor shortages in key producing regions like California led to a 9% wage increase, raising the average cost of strawberry harvesting to $2.50 per pound. In Europe, energy prices affected greenhouse and cold storage operations, where heating costs for strawberry greenhouses in the Netherlands surged by 22% between 2022 and 2024. Packaging costs also spiked by 12%, especially for biodegradable or recyclable punnets increasingly demanded by eco-conscious consumers.

Fresh Strawberry Market Segmentation

The fresh strawberry market is segmented based on type and application, each with its own volume dynamics, quality requirements, and consumer trends. By analyzing these segments, producers and distributors can tailor strategies for specific market niches and optimize supply chains for maximum efficiency and profitability. Demand differs across regions and customer groups, impacting pricing, logistics, and packaging needs.

By Type

Fresh Strawberry: form the largest and most in-demand segment globally. This segment accounted for over 85% of total strawberry consumption in 2023. Consumers favor fresh strawberries due to their flavor, texture, and nutritional value, with markets such as the U.S., Japan, UK, and China prioritizing fresh over processed formats. In the U.S. alone, over 1.2 million metric tons of strawberries are consumed annually, the majority of which are fresh. Supermarkets in Japan, known for premium fruit varieties, retail high-end fresh strawberries priced up to ¥1,200 per pack.
Processing Strawberry: are cultivated specifically for conversion into products such as jams, jellies, syrups, yogurts, baked goods, and purees. This segment represents about 15% of global production, with Germany, Russia, and India being key importers. In Europe, more than 250,000 metric tons of strawberries are processed annually, driven by the food and beverage industry. Processing strawberries are often chosen for their high sugar content and color rather than aesthetic appearance.

By Application

High Price Segments: This segment includes gourmet, premium, and organic strawberries often sold in upscale urban markets or exported to high-income countries. In Japan, premium strawberries can fetch over $5 per berry, especially varieties such as “Bijin-hime” and “White Jewel.” Organic strawberry sales in the U.S. crossed $440 million in 2022, representing over 6% of the organic fruit category. These berries are generally cultivated with precision methods like greenhouse or vertical farming, ensuring exceptional appearance and taste.
Middle Price Segments: Middle-tier strawberries are sold widely in supermarkets and grocery chains at accessible prices, typically ranging from $2.50–$4.00 per pack depending on the region and season. In the EU, this segment dominates retail markets, with Spain, Italy, and Poland supplying consistent quality at scale. In India, local varieties priced between ₹120–₹180 per kg fall into this bracket, especially during peak harvest months of December to February.
Low Price Segments: These include strawberries sold in local markets, bulk produce markets, and for immediate consumption or low-end processing. In Latin America and parts of Southeast Asia, strawberries are sold in the range of $1–$1.50 per kilogram. These strawberries often have slight bruising or irregular shapes and are popular among street vendors or local juice bars. Shelf life is short—often less than 3 days—and cold chain infrastructure is typically absent.

Fresh Strawberry Market Regional Outlook

The performance of the fresh strawberry market varies widely by region due to climatic suitability, production capacities, consumption trends, and export infrastructure. In 2023, over 10.5 million metric tons of strawberries were produced globally, with Asia-Pacific and North America dominating in volume and Europe leading in exports.

North America

is a major player in strawberry production and consumption, with the United States leading the region. The U.S. produced approximately 1.3 million metric tons of strawberries in 2023, with California accounting for 90% of that total. Mexico follows, exporting over 300,000 metric tons of strawberries annually to the U.S. and Canada. Canadian imports of fresh strawberries exceeded 95,000 metric tons in 2023, driven by limited domestic production and year-round demand. Technological adoption, such as high-tunnel systems and automated irrigation, supports higher yields and off-season production in the region.

Europe

stands out as both a major producer and a top exporter. Spain, Poland, and Germany are the leading contributors, with Spain producing over 360,000 metric tons annually. In 2023, the Andalusia region exported 250,000 metric tons, largely to France, Germany, and the UK. Poland contributes about 200,000 metric tons annually, much of it processed into preserves and frozen formats. Europe has seen an increase in greenhouse strawberry cultivation, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, where climate control allows year-round harvests.

Asia-Pacific

region is the largest contributor to global production, primarily due to China’s dominance. China alone produced 4.1 million metric tons in 2023—around 39% of global output. Japan also plays a key role in the high-value premium market, with varieties like “Tochiotome” and “Amaou” popular in domestic and export markets. India, though a smaller producer, is growing rapidly, with Mahabaleshwar alone contributing over 85% of the country's strawberry supply. South Korea and Australia are emerging as quality-focused markets, with vertical farming and hydroponics increasing in urban hubs like Seoul and Melbourne.

Middle East & Africa

are emerging markets for strawberries, driven by import demand and new greenhouse production. The UAE and Saudi Arabia import over 25,000 metric tons of strawberries annually, mostly from Egypt and the EU. Egypt leads regional production with over 460,000 metric tons, exporting to more than 45 countries. In sub-Saharan Africa, countries like Kenya and South Africa are expanding exports, with Kenya’s strawberry sector growing by 18% year-over-year due to rising demand in Gulf countries. Controlled-environment agriculture is gaining momentum in arid regions, with Qatar and the UAE investing in hydroponic strawberry farms for self-sufficiency and reduced import dependence.

List of Top Fresh Strawberry Companies

Dole Food
Driscoll
Berry Gardens
Fresgarrido
Goknur Gida
Mirak Group
Keelings
Naturipe Farms
BelOrta

Driscoll: is a global leader in the fresh strawberry market, controlling approximately 30% of premium market distribution in North America and expanding rapidly in Europe and China. The company partners with over 700 independent growers worldwide and markets its berries across more than 20 countries.

Dole Food: remains a major global player with an extensive distribution network across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. The company operates vast acreage in California and Mexico, producing and shipping hundreds of thousands of tons of strawberries annually.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The fresh strawberry market is witnessing notable investments in infrastructure, technology, and strategic partnerships to enhance productivity, reduce losses, and meet growing global demand. With global production surpassing 10.5 million metric tons in 2023, investment flows are being directed toward high-efficiency growing techniques, advanced packaging, and climate-resilient farming. One of the most prominent areas of investment is controlled-environment agriculture (CEA). Across North America and Europe, vertical farming startups are securing millions in funding. For instance, Oishii (U.S.) raised over $50 million by 2024 to expand its New Jersey-based vertical strawberry farms from 74,000 ft² to 240,000 ft², enabling year-round supply of premium strawberries. In the UK, Tesco-backed farms utilize vertical modules to produce 600,000 punnets annually, using 50% less water and 70% less land. Such investment reduces reliance on seasonal cultivation and enhances yield per acre. Cold chain infrastructure is another area receiving heavy investment. In India, the government and private sector have invested over ₹300 crore (approx. $36 million) in refrigerated transport and packhouses in Maharashtra and Himachal Pradesh, where post-harvest strawberry losses previously reached up to 30%.

Improved logistics reduce waste and extend shelf life, enabling broader regional distribution. Genetic research and varietal development are also seeing attention. In Japan, research on disease-resistant and sweeter varieties such as “Bijin-hime” and “Yumenoka” is supported by over ¥1.2 billion in government and private research funds. Meanwhile, USDA programs in California have introduced over five new resilient hybrid varieties between 2022 and 2024, capable of withstanding warmer temperatures and longer transit periods. Export infrastructure is strengthening too. Egypt, now one of the top five exporters, has developed modern logistics corridors allowing over 50,000 metric tons of strawberries to reach markets in Europe and the Middle East with better preservation. Similarly, Kenya’s airport cargo capacity increased by 18% in 2023, supporting a surge in strawberry exports to the Gulf region.

New Product Development

Innovation is a critical differentiator in the fresh strawberry market, with new product development (NPD) focusing on varietal improvements, packaging enhancements, and value-added offerings. In 2023–2024, leading companies and research institutions have prioritized consumer-driven innovation, targeting premium, organic, and shelf-stable segments. One major trend is the introduction of specialty and premium strawberry varieties. Driscoll launched its “Rosé Berries” line, featuring pink-colored strawberries with a distinct floral flavor, which gained shelf presence in over 1,200 retail stores across the U.S. in 2023. Similarly, Japan's “Bijin-hime,” costing up to ¥50,000 per box, appeals to the ultra-luxury market, and continues to gain popularity in gift-oriented cultures across Asia. In India, Mahabaleshwar growers are experimenting with “Winter Dawn” and “Camino Real” to cater to increasing consumer demand for sweeter berries with longer shelf lives. Packaging innovation is equally important. In Europe, companies like Naturipe and Berry Gardens have shifted towards 100% recyclable punnets made from sugarcane fiber or compostable PET, cutting down packaging waste by 12% per unit. In 2024, Keelings launched QR-coded packaging for traceability, enabling consumers to scan and trace the origin, harvest date, and farm location of the strawberries. This transparency builds brand trust and enhances market value.

In the ready-to-eat segment, Naturipe Farms introduced “Snackers”—pre-washed, pre-cut strawberries in 125-gram on-the-go packs—which gained rapid traction among urban commuters in the U.S. and UK. These packs are designed with modified atmosphere technology (MAP), extending shelf life by up to 6 days without preservatives. Health-based innovation is also notable. Fortified strawberry variants enriched with Vitamin D and zinc have been developed in pilot projects in Israel and the Netherlands. These biofortified strawberries are aimed at immune-conscious consumers and could be commercially available by late 2025. Flavor retention and consistency are key development areas. With AI-powered predictive models, vertical farms like Oishii now manage light and nutrient cycles to replicate ideal taste profiles across multiple harvests. Their flagship “Omakase Berry” reportedly maintains 96% flavor consistency between batches.

Five Recent Developments

Driscoll expanded Rosé strawberry distribution to over 1,200 U.S. stores in 2023, tapping into premium segments.
Egypt increased strawberry exports by 22% in 2023, shipping over 50,000 metric tons to EU and Gulf markets.
Tesco’s UK-backed vertical farm launched in 2024, producing 600,000 punnets annually with 50% less water.
Oishii scaled its New Jersey vertical farm to 240,000 square feet in 2024, boosting premium yield output.
India’s Mahabaleshwar region reported a 27% increase in strawberry volume in 2023, producing over 18,000 metric tons for the domestic market.

Report Coverage of Fresh Strawberry Market

This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the global fresh strawberry market, evaluating current production trends, consumption patterns, and competitive dynamics across all major regions. The study provides an in-depth view of how the market performed in 2023 and 2024, highlighting a total production volume of over 10.5 million metric tons globally, with Asia-Pacific, North America, and Europe leading in scale and diversity. It covers various segments including type-based (Fresh Strawberry, Processing Strawberry) and application-based (High Price, Middle Price, Low Price). Each of these segments has distinct characteristics: for example, the fresh segment dominates consumer demand with high-value varieties like “Albion” and “Tochiotome,” while the processing segment supports mass distribution for yogurt, jam, and beverage industries. Regional performance is analyzed extensively, with China contributing nearly 39% to total output, while Spain leads European exports with over 250,000 metric tons annually. North America is highlighted for its advanced technological integration, where California alone accounts for 90% of U.S. output.

Africa and the Middle East are studied for their emerging infrastructure and increasing investment in indoor farming. Key market drivers such as rising health awareness, urban demand for organic fruit, and innovations in vertical farming are explored in detail. Restraints such as short shelf life and high post-harvest losses are also examined. The report further dives into market opportunities like bio-fortified and premium berries, and challenges including rising operational costs and cold chain deficits. The study profiles top industry players including Driscoll, Dole, Naturipe Farms, and Berry Gardens, assessing their operational strengths, product innovation, and distribution networks. Investment trends are assessed with particular focus on CEA technologies, cold storage infrastructure, and digital crop monitoring, all of which saw sharp growth between 2023 and 2024. Finally, the report incorporates a review of five major developments in the industry, along with an analysis of new product development strategies, packaging innovations, and bio-agricultural breakthroughs. It serves as a critical resource for producers, distributors, investors, and agritech stakeholders seeking a detailed, fact-based view of the evolving global strawberry market landscape.