Cherries market in Germany

Earlier Report Observations

The volume of the fresh cherry market in Germany contracted from over 127 thousand tonnes in 2018 to approximately 85 thousand tonnes in 2023. The market value followed a similar downward trend, falling from $340.8 million to $291.0 million over the period, with only a brief interruption in 2020.

This sustained decline was primarily driven by several consecutive years of falling consumer demand. Significant price increases for cherries, resulting from higher labor and energy costs throughout the supply chain, made them less affordable. Recurrent frost damage during critical blossom periods in key growing regions further reduced domestic harvests, tightening supply and contributing to upward price pressure.

Germany's high import dependency, covering over 90% of its cherry consumption, rendered the market particularly sensitive to these cost and supply shocks. While consumer preferences shifted toward healthier snacks, this trend did not counteract the strong price sensitivity for cherries. From 2024, new regulations on supply chain transparency and the circular economy introduced additional cost drivers for the industry.

Production cherries in Germany

In kind, 2017-2020, t

On a global scale, Germany ranked as the 18th largest producer of cherries during the period from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

The data reveals irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Production reached its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2019, with a 2.4-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Germany produced 49 990 tonnes of cherries, marking a significant decrease of 17.1% compared to 2019. The maximum production was recorded in 2019 at 60 270 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 142.4%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The market showed signs of volatility over the observed period. Production value hit its lowest point in 2017 and peaked in 2018, with a 2.2-fold gap. In 2020, the output of cherries in Germany was valued at 162.1 million US dollars, representing a modest loss of 7.1% compared to 2019. The maximum value was recorded in 2018 at 177.5 million US dollars. The largest increase was also in 2018, with a rise of 119.8%.

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

Exports cherries from Germany

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year gain, Germany's cherry exports declined. In 2020, Germany exported 6 116 tonnes of cherries, down by 1.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, exports increased by 50.8%, equating to an annualized rate of 14.7%. The maximum volume was recorded in 2019 at 6 236 tonnes. The largest increase occurred in 2018, with a growth of 39.0%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Austria, the Netherlands, and Switzerland played notable but not dominant roles as buyers of cherries from Germany. Austria accounted for 19.7% of exports in kind, the Netherlands for 13.6%, and Switzerland for 12.7%. Together, their joint share reached 46.0% of total exports in kind.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cherry exports from Germany increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, Germany exported 19.8 million US dollars worth of cherries, which is 9.8% greater compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 50.1%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.5%.

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

During 2017 to 2020, exports in value terms of cherries from Germany were spread relatively evenly. Austria accounted for 23.8% of exports in value terms, Denmark for 12.9%, and the Netherlands for 12.9%. Together, these three countries jointly accounted for 49.6% of total flows.

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

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

Imports cherries to Germany

Imports in kind, t

In 2020, Germany imported 66 011 tonnes of cherries, indicating a rise of 14.9% over the past year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 9.2%, with a CAGR of 3.0%. The minimum volume was recorded in 2019 at 66 011 tonnes. The largest decline occurred in 2019, with a decrease of 9.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Hungary, and Italy remained the key partners in imports in kind. Turkey accounted for 39.3% of imports in kind, Hungary for 13.4%, and Italy for 9.4%. Together, they accounted for 62.1% of total flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cherry imports into Germany increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, Germany imported 206.1 million US dollars worth of cherries, which is 12.4% greater from a year earlier. Between 2017 and 2020, imports decreased by 3%, equating to an annualized rate of 1.0%. The minimum value was recorded in 2018 at 179.9 million US dollars. The largest decline occurred in 2018, with a decrease of 15.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Italy, and Greece were the main destinations in the geographical breakdown of imports in value terms of cherries to Germany. Turkey accounted for 52.3% of imports in value terms, Italy for 14.2%, and Greece for 9.6%. Their combined share was 76.1% of total flows.

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

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