Strawberries remain the most sought-after berry among Muscovites during the 2026 summer season. This was reported to the Moscow City News Agency by Antonina Levashenko, Head of International Best Practices Analysis Department at the Gaidar Institute.
According to the expert, strawberries currently account for about 80% of total demand for berries. Cherries, currants, and raspberries are also popular. The growing interest in berries is linked to the trend toward healthy eating and increased demand for fresh farm produce.
Antonina Levashenko noted that revenue for retailers and seasonal retail outlets in Moscow in the summer of 2026 could increase two to three times compared to last season. Several factors are contributing to this: the expansion of the sales network, growth in consumer demand, and increased yields in supplier regions.
“Today, the berry market in Russia is growing rapidly not only due to demand but also thanks to technological changes in agriculture. Producers are increasingly using special tunnels and trays for growing berries, which help protect the crop from frost and summer heat. This allows for extending the fruiting season, reducing climate-related risks, and ensuring more stable product quality and supply volumes,” explained Antonina Levashenko.
According to data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rosselkhozbank, berry yields in key supplier regions—the Krasnodar and Stavropol Krai, as well as Kabardino-Balkaria—have increased by an average of 16.5% by 2026. Farmers and individual entrepreneurs are making a significant contribution to this growth in production.
The expert also emphasized that the development of new varieties is helping the market grow. Over the past five years, Russian specialists have developed about 100 new varieties of strawberries, raspberries, currants, and blueberries that are more resistant to climate change and temperature fluctuations.
“Muscovites’ demand for berries continues to grow by about 10% annually. At the same time, the number of retail outlets selling seasonal produce is increasing—over the past year, their number has grown by about 20%. As a result, fresh berries are becoming more accessible to residents of virtually all city districts,” added Antonina Levashenko.