Cherries market in Algeria

Earlier Report Observations

The cherry market in Algeria saw a significant expansion from 8 815 tons in 2018 to over 11 200 tons by 2019. This growth was primarily driven by the entry of the Austrian group Agrana Fruit, which acquired a 49% stake in the local processing leader ELAFRUITS and aimed to ramp up production capacity substantially. Concurrently, the modernization and automation of the first national fruit processing plant enhanced efficiency and output, while increased availability of processed fruits through modern retail channels supported domestic sales.

Over the next three years, market volume stabilized around 11 100 to 11 200 tons. Production faced headwinds from cryptogamic diseases affecting orchards in the key Tizi-Ouzou region, which supplies over 60% of national output, and unfavorable weather conditions in 2021 impacted yields. However, the market was underpinned by a major government program launched in 2022 to plant 350 000 hectares of resilient fruit trees, including cherry, and by private nurseries like VitroPlant supplying early and late-season varieties to growers.

Market volume rose to 11 560 tons in 2023, supported by the Ministry of Agriculture issuing new short-term phytosanitary permits that facilitated crop management. Despite a challenging start to the 2024 season due to adverse weather affecting early varieties, the sector continued to benefit from ongoing development in fruit processing, technological innovation, and deeper penetration of refrigerated storage in households, which sustained consumption.

Production cherries in Algeria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

In 2020, Algeria produced 11 207 tons of cherries, a figure that remained virtually unchanged from 2019. Looking at the broader period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 21.9%, which translates to an annualized growth rate of 6.8%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2018 at 8 818 tons, while the highest was in 2019 at 11 237 tons. The largest decline occurred in 2018 with a 4.1% drop, whereas the most significant increase was in 2019 with a 27.4% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in Algeria in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports cherries from Algeria

Exports in kind, kg

Cherry exports from Algeria declined for the third consecutive year in 2020, with shipments totaling 315 kilograms, down 38.8% year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 91%, equating to an annualized decline of 55.2%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Algeria in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates and Oman together accounted for 84.4% of Algeria's cherry exports in volume, with the remaining share distributed among smaller markets.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Algeria in kind, 2017-2020

Exports in value, $ US

The market displayed an unstable trend throughout the observed period. Export volumes reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 12.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Algeria's cherry exports amounted to 6 078 US dollars, marking a substantial increase of 1,136.3% compared to 2019. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 492 US dollars, with the largest decline that year at 86.6%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Algeria in value, 2017-2020, $ US

From 2017 to 2020, the United Arab Emirates (33.0% of export value), France (21.4%), and Switzerland (18.7%) continued to lead as the top buyers of Algerian cherries, collectively accounting for 73.1% of total export value.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's exports from Algeria in value, 2017-2020

Imports cherries to Algeria

Imports in kind, kg

The market exhibited volatility during the observed period. Import volumes hit their lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 30-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Algeria imported 2 635 kilograms of cherries, representing a 61.8% decrease from the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Algeria in kind, 2017-2020, kg

From 2017 to 2020, Spain was nearly the exclusive supplier of cherries to Algeria, absorbing 97.6% of total imports in volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Algeria in kind, 2017-2020

Imports in value, $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import values fell to their lowest point in 2017 and reached their maximum in 2019, with a 24-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Algeria imported cherries worth 3 092 US dollars, a decline of 87.6% compared to the previous year.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Algeria in value, 2017-2020, $ US

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Spain remained the dominant and almost sole source for Algeria's cherry imports in value terms, holding a 96.5% share.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2017-2020

World map of product's imports to Algeria in value, 2017-2020