Paraguay’s 2026 strawberry season begins across the nation as producers harvest the first fruits in the cities of Areguá, Estanzuela in Itauguá, and neighbouring communities. The first harvests in mid-June, marked the official start of the season. Farmers have already started selling fresh strawberries and handmade products while preparing for the peak production period expected in July and August.
Annual national production reaches between 3,000 and 3,500 tonnes from approximately 300 to 400 cultivated hectares, creating opportunities for growth and increased income for agricultural families throughout the country. Areguá and surrounding areas in the Central Department remain the country’s main production zone, known for the highest quality fruit.
Supporting producers from planting to harvest
Julio Gallardo, agricultural specialist at the Agricultural Development Centre of the Central Department under the Agricultural Extension Directorate (DEAG) of Paraguay’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, talks about the importance of supporting producers throughout every stage of cultivation. He points to family farming as an important driver of development, income generation and food production for Paraguayan families.
As the harvest begins, producers and technical teams continue working together to strengthen yields and improve fruit quality across the region. The sector also shows a strong potential for expansion in cultivated areas and producer benefits.
Producers in the Central Department report strong results during the opening weeks of the 2026 strawberry season. Early production shows excellent yields, demonstrating the region’s reputation for producing high quality strawberries. Plantations indicate productive potential, showcasing the work of farming families and technical support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. These conditions create positive expectations as producers prepare for the peak harvest period in July and August.
High expectations for Paraguay’s 2026 strawberry season
According to Ángel Rivarola, president of the Association of Strawberry and Related Producers of Estanzuela, growers planted approximately 850,000 plants for the 2026 strawberry season. Producers expect yields of up to 400 grams per plant and anticipate stronger production levels during July and August. These months traditionally bring the highest supply of strawberries to markets across the country, with production concentrated across the national market during this period. The increased harvest also attracts visitors to communities known for strawberry production.
Along roads in Areguá and surrounding areas, producers already offer fresh strawberries and a variety of handmade products. Premium strawberry varieties currently sell for around ₲120,000 (approximately US$19.50) per kilogram, while stalls display jams, sweets, artisanal liqueurs, alfajores, cakes and chocolate-covered strawberries.
The strong harvest conditions also support the growing presence of agro-tourism in the region. As more fruit reaches the market in the coming weeks, producers look forward to a strawberry season marked by strong and growing consumer interest.
