Strawberries market in Norway

Earlier Report Observations

The Norwegian strawberry market remained stable at around 18 300 t in 2018 and 2019, supported by a growing focus on tunnel cultivation and the introduction of new varieties like Favori to extend the season. This stability was disrupted in 2020 when the market volume fell sharply by 23% to 14 018 t, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely impacted logistics and import supply chains.

A recovery phase followed, with the market expanding to 16 491 t in 2022. This growth was aided by the rising popularity of pick-your-own sales channels and the adoption of protective covers and artificial heating to start the production season earlier. In 2023, the market volume declined to 15 170 t, even as exceptionally mild spring weather led to a record-early season and boosted retail sales of domestic strawberries.

In the later years of the period, the industry continued to prioritize season extension through advanced tunnel and greenhouse methods, while consumer surveys confirmed a strong and widespread preference for Norwegian-grown strawberries. Additionally, application deadlines for state support schemes aimed at modern production technologies were set, influencing potential sector investments.

Production strawberries in Norway

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of strawberries, 2018-2021

World map of production of strawberries, 2018-2021

Norway's strawberry production volume declined for the second consecutive year. In 2021, 6 254 tonnes of strawberries were produced in Norway, representing a substantial reduction of 11.0% compared to 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production decreased by 21.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of -7.7%. The highest production volume was recorded in 2019 at 9 185 tonnes, which marked a 15.3% increase from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a drop of 23.5%.

Annual dynamics of production in Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Exports strawberries from Norway

Exports in kind, t

The market exhibited an unstable trend throughout the timeframe. Exports varied significantly, with a 5.1-fold difference between the low in 2018 and the high in 2019. In 2021, strawberry exports from Norway amounted to 11 tonnes, corresponding to a drop of 20.1% from 2020. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 55 tonnes, which saw a dramatic increase of 413.4% from the previous year. The largest decline occurred in 2020, with a decrease of 75.3%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, two leading markets—Poland and the Netherlands—together accounted for 89.0% of total exports in kind. The remaining volume was dispersed across a wide range of other countries.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

Volatility characterized the market behavior during these years. Export values climbed to their maximum in 2019 and dropped to a minimum in 2021, showing a 15-fold shift. In 2021, exported strawberry volumes from Norway totalled 16 thousand US dollars, down by 76.9% relative to the prior year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 239 thousand US dollars, which marked a significant increase of 243.9% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Over the period from 2018 to 2021, Poland and the Netherlands were the main destinations for exports in value terms, jointly taking 85.8% of total flows. The residual share was split among other markets.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from Norway in value, 2018-2021

Imports strawberries to Norway

Imports in kind, t

After a two-year reduction, strawberry deliveries to Norway increased. In 2021, imports totalled 8 625 tonnes, up by 23.1% year-over-year. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 16.6%, equating to an annualized rate of -5.9%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 7 005 tonnes, which saw a decline of 23.2% from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021, t

Throughout 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands (52.5% of imports in kind), Spain (21.8% of imports in kind), and Belgium (18.1% of imports in kind) formed the key group of partners for strawberry imports to Norway, jointly representing 92.4% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After a two-year drop, Norway's volume of strawberry imports increased. In 2021, imports totalled 53 190 thousand US dollars, which is 26.8% higher than in 2020. Between 2018 and 2021, imports decreased by 6%, equating to an annualized rate of -2.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2020 at 41 932 thousand US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 14.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, the Netherlands (55.2% of imports in value terms), Spain (18.9% of imports in value terms), and Belgium (18.1% of imports in value terms) led the structure of imports in value terms, together representing 92.2% of total flows.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to Norway in value, 2018-2021