Strawberry harvests in Finland are finally underway after a slow rainy start to the summer. Early July brought enough warmth for picking to begin across the south, but with it came high prices that surprised many market-goers.
In Helsinki, berries are selling for between 10 and 12 euros per litre. While the cost has raised some eyebrows, vendors say most customers understand. “They’ve lived through the same weather,” said Matti Rissanen, who runs a stand at Hakaniemi Square.
Prices outside the capital vary but still run higher than usual for this time of year.
In Lappeenranta, strawberry prices sit between 8 and 10 euros per litre. Box sales have not yet begun, according to Rattiya Thongphaijit from Ratjan Marjator. Over in Turku, berries were going for 7 to 9 euros per litre. Jukka Jokinen from Paavuori farm said his five-kilo boxes were selling between 40 and 45 euros.
Up north in Kuopio, the going rate was between 6 and 6.50 euros per litre. Berry seller Esa Honkanen said customers were supportive. “People know the costs. They don’t expect cheap anymore.”
Honkanen’s bulk boxes matched Turku’s at 40 to 45 euros.
In Oulu, prices were the lowest, from 5 to 7.50 euros per litre. Riikka Hyväri, who sells berries locally, said the demand has outpaced supply. “Everything we’ve brought has sold out.”
The picking season is active across Southern and Southwest Finland, including Häme, Pirkanmaa, Satakunta, and the southern parts of Eastern Finland. According to Heidi Wirtanen from the Finnish Association of Fruit and Berry Growers, the early rains might have helped more than harmed.
“The flavor is exceptional this year. The berries are especially sweet,” she said.
Though the weather delayed the start, the harvest is now in motion. With supply ramping up and people eager for fresh local fruit, it’s shaping up to be a classic Finnish berry summer, just with a slightly higher price tag.
