Cherries market in Canada

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the volume of the fresh cherry market in Canada remained stable at around 44 700 t. This period saw export activities supported by the Canada-South Korea Free Trade Agreement, which reduced tariffs on Canadian cherries and facilitated access to the Asian market. Simultaneously, the entry of new players and the expansion of production infrastructure, including modern packing facilities operated by family-run companies like Jealous Fruits, contributed to the industry's development.

Market volume then dipped to 40 061 t in 2020 before recovering to 42 131 t in 2021. A sharp decline followed in 2022, with volume falling to 30 597 t. This decrease coincided with the Canadian government's expansion of market access to South Korea for fresh cherries from British Columbia, which boosted export shipments and likely reduced domestic availability.

In 2023, market volume surged to 51 128 t, marking the highest point in the period. By 2024, cherry production in Canada was significantly affected by unfavorable weather conditions, including winter frosts in key growing regions such as the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, which damaged orchards and reduced harvest output.

Production cherries in Canada

In kind, 2017-2020, t

From 2017 to 2020, Canada ranked 24th globally in cherry production.

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

Canada's cherry production declined for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the country produced 21 378 tonnes of cherries, marking a significant 17.0% decrease compared to 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, production fell by 33%, with a compound annual growth rate of -12.5%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

In 2020, Canada's cherry output was valued at 168.9 million US dollars, showing a 3.5% increase year-over-year. Between 2017 and 2020, production value decreased by 4.1%, equivalent to an annualized rate of -1.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 163.2 million US dollars, while the highest was in 2018 at 190.5 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2019 at 14.3%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 8.2%.

Annual dynamics of production in Canada in value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Exports cherries from Canada

Exports in kind, t

Cherry export volumes from Canada declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports totaled 6 869 tonnes, down 26.1% from the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 39.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -15.3%. The highest volume was recorded in 2018 at 13 010 tonnes. The largest decline was in 2019 at 28.5%, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 15.1%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (43.9% of exports in volume), China (30.1% of exports in volume), and Hong Kong (7.6% of exports in volume) formed the key group of partners for Canada's cherry exports, collectively representing 81.6% of total flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Canada's cherry export value declined for the second consecutive year. In 2020, the country exported 54.3 million US dollars worth of cherries, representing a 7.9% loss compared to the prior year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports decreased by 13%, equating to an annualized rate of -4.5%. The highest value was recorded in 2018 at 82.6 million US dollars. The largest decline was in 2019 at 28.7%, and the largest increase was in 2018 at 32.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the United States (42.3% of exports in value), China (31.2% of exports in value), and Hong Kong (7.3% of exports in value) together accounted for 80.9% of total exports in value terms, remaining the main destinations for Canadian cherries.

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

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

Imports cherries to Canada

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Canada imported 25 552 tonnes of cherries, showing a 9.6% reduction compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 38.2%, equating to an annualized rate of -14.8%. The largest decline was recorded in 2018 at 33.2%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 2.3%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States played a dominant role in Canada's cherry imports in volume, consistently accounting for 95.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Canada's cherry import value increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports totaled 149.0 million US dollars, up 18.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 7.1%, equating to an annualized rate of 2.3%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 124.1 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018 at 10.8%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, the United States remained the dominant and almost sole destination for Canada's cherry imports in value terms, with a share of 94.3%.

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

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