National association forecasts weekly volumes of up to 1,100 tonnes from late May until mid-June
Growers in Switzerland expect a larger crop strawberries in the coming weeks after reaching the start of the season more or less unscathed.
According to the Swiss Fruit Association, between 900 and 1,100 tonnes of the fruit will be available per week from 25 May until around 14 June.
Although there was a period of cold weather around the so-called Eisheiligen – a five-day period in mid-May which marks the final period for potential late frosts – the domestic strawberry campaign is now said to be in full swing.
While that cold snap did slightly delay the ripening process and therefore the harvest, by about a week, volumes are now said to be increasing significantly.
The association said it anticipated a total harvest of 7,500 tonnes, which would be 3 per cent more than the average for the last five years.
“Thanks to short transport routes and careful cultivation, Swiss strawberries are particularly sustainable,” it commented. “They reach consumers freshly picked and ripe, making them especially aromatic and full of flavour.”
