Cherries market in Austria

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the fresh cherry market in Austria generally contracted from 18.3 thousand tonnes in 2018 to 14.0 thousand tonnes in 2023, though not without fluctuations. The market decline was interrupted in 2020 when volume grew to 17.8 thousand tonnes. This increase coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, which shifted consumer preferences toward regional, fresh foods and accelerated online retail, facilitating access to domestic cherries.

Subsequent years saw market volume fall again, notably in 2022 when it dropped to 13.8 thousand tonnes. This downturn was primarily driven by global supply chain disruptions and logistics bottlenecks, which constrained the availability of imported cherries and reduced overall supply. Throughout the period, underlying trends such as rising demand for organic and sustainable produce, stricter food labeling and packaging regulations, and the entry of new suppliers in the organic fruit segment continued to shape the market's composition.

By 2023, the market stabilized at 14.0 thousand tonnes. Investments in modern production facilities by major cherry producers aimed at ensuring quality and supply, alongside continued consumer preference for regional and seasonal products, provided some support. However, the broader effects of energy price increases and inflation on production and distribution costs also played a role in the market environment.

Production cherries in Austria

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

The market exhibited significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2018, with a two-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Austria produced 7 380 tonnes of cherries, representing a 10.8% decline compared to 2019. The highest production level was recorded in 2018 at 11 990 tonnes. The largest year-over-year decrease occurred in 2019 at 31.0%, while the most substantial increase was in 2018 at 95.8%.

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

Exports cherries from Austria

Exports in kind, t

Austria's cherry exports have grown for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports reached 12 166 tonnes, marking a 42.2% increase year-over-year. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports rose by 49.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.3%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2018 at 7 270 tonnes, which also saw the largest decline of 10.7%.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Germany remained the primary buyer of Austrian cherries, accounting for 85.9% of total exports by volume. Other trading partners held relatively modest shares during this period.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The export market displayed notable volatility. Export values fluctuated 1.9-fold between the low in 2018 and the high in 2020. In 2020, the value of cherries exported from Austria amounted to 45 794 thousand US dollars, showing a dramatic 87.6% increase compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 23 561 thousand US dollars, which also experienced the largest decline of 10.5%.

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

During 2017-2020, Germany dominated Austria's cherry exports in value terms, representing 87.6% of total export flows. The remaining share was distributed among several smaller markets.

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

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

Imports cherries to Austria

Imports in kind, t

Austria's cherry imports have increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 22 609 tonnes, representing a 38.7% gain compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, imports grew by 92.4%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.4%.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to Austria in kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey (58.8% of import volume), Serbia (17.7%), and Italy (4.8%) together accounted for 81.3% of Austria's total cherry imports by volume, making them the primary sources.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Austria's cherry import values have risen for the third year in a row. In 2020, imports reached 77 389 thousand US dollars, representing a 71.2% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, import values grew by 115.7%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 29.2%.

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

During 2017-2020, Turkey dominated Austria's cherry imports in value terms, accounting for 73.6% of total import flows. The remaining share was distributed among numerous smaller trading partners.

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

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