Dramatic Increase in Raspberry Prices: What is Driving the Market in 2024?

06 Jun Dramatic Increase in Raspberry Prices: What is Driving the Market in 2024?

Approximately since February, and more pronounced in recent weeks, there has been a significant increase in raspberry prices worldwide. In the United States, prices have reached up to $12.84 per kilo, more than double compared to the same period in 2023. This increase is mainly due to limited supply, influenced by adverse weather conditions in Mexico and low production in California.

In Spain, the raspberry campaign has also experienced a decrease in the volume marketed, approximately 21% less than in previous years, which has led to higher prices for producers. In the wholesale market of Rungis, France, prices for Spanish raspberries have ranged between 10.70 and 12.80 euros per kilo, remaining higher than in previous campaigns.

In Europe, the situation varies. In the Netherlands, prices are not excessively high and remain around 1.30 euros per 125 grams for consumers. In Germany, production has increased, especially in Lower Saxony, thanks to new cultivation techniques that allow harvests from May to September, helping to keep the supply stable.

This upward trend in prices is due to a combination of factors such as lower supply due to climatic issues, competition from producers in other countries, and increased production costs. Prices are expected to stabilize or slightly decrease as the harvest season progresses in different regions, but no significant adjustment is expected, and prices are likely to remain high. These prices directly influence the manufacturing costs of raspberry concentrates and raspberry puree products.

Our conventional and organic raspberry concentrate is being very well received for the production of various beverages such as organic kombucha.

How to make home made kombucha

Making homemade kombucha is very simple; industrially, this process is replicated, always trying to maintain the best hygienic and sanitary conditions. Fruits or fruit concentrates, such as our organic raspberry concentrate, can be added to the recipe, which will enhance the flavor and color of the final product.

The basic ingredients and guide for making homemade raspberry kombucha are as follows:
Ingredients and Necessary Materials for Making Homemade Raspberry Kombucha:

Black or green tea: 4-5 bags or 4-5 tablespoons of loose tea.

Sugar: 1 cup.

Water: 3.5 liters.

SCOBY culture (Symbiotic Culture Of Bacteria and Yeast).

Kombucha starter: 1 cup of already fermented kombucha (can be from a previous batch).

Organic raspberry concentrate: approximately 1 cup.

Glass jars: For fermenting the kombucha.

Cloth and elastic band: To cover the jars during fermentation.

Steps for Preparation:

Prepare the Sweet Tea:
o Boil 1 liter of water and add the tea bags or loose tea. Let it steep for 5-10 minutes.
o Remove the tea bags or strain the loose tea.
o Add the sugar to the hot tea and stir until completely dissolved.
o Add the other 2.5 liters of cold water to cool the mixture.

Primary Fermentation:
o Pour the sweet tea into a large glass jar.
o Add the kombucha starter and the SCOBY.
o Cover the jar with a cloth and secure it with an elastic band.
o Let it ferment in a dark place at room temperature (20-25°C) for 7-10 days. The fermentation duration depends on the room temperature and your flavor preference (more time produces a more acidic kombucha).

Prepare for Secondary Fermentation:
o Remove the SCOBY and 1 cup of kombucha to use as a starter for the next batch.
o Pour the fermented kombucha into glass bottles, leaving some space at the top.

Add the Raspberry Concentrate:
o Add approximately 1-2 tablespoons of raspberry concentrate for every 500 ml of kombucha.
o Stir gently to combine.

Secondary Fermentation:
o Seal the glass bottles tightly and let them ferment at room temperature for another 2-7 days. This process will carbonate the kombucha.
o Carefully open the bottles each day to release excess pressure (burping).

Refrigerate and Enjoy:
o Once the kombucha has reached the desired level of carbonation, transfer it to the refrigerator to stop the fermentation.
o Serve cold and enjoy.

Additional Tips:

Hygiene: Make sure all equipment and surfaces are clean to avoid contamination.

Flavor and Adjustments: You can adjust the amount of raspberry concentrate according to your flavor preference.

Observe the SCOBY: If you notice any unpleasant smell or mold, discard the batch and start over with a healthy SCOBY.

Following these steps, you can enjoy homemade kombucha with the delicious and natural flavor of organic raspberry concentrate.»