Cherries market in Southern Europe, 2026

Earlier Report Observations

In 2018, the fresh cherry market volume in Southern Europe stood at 503 thousand tons, with Spain maintaining its role as the leading supplier to the EU and UK. The following year, the market contracted to 464 thousand tons, as growing European demand for imported cherries from Turkey and the United States increased competition for local production.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 restricted air freight, concentrating sales on European markets and helping the market volume recover to 506 thousand tons. In 2021, the market stabilized at 498 thousand tons, amid continued high demand and the adoption of digital traceability platforms to enhance transparency and consumer trust.

Market volume expanded significantly to 569 thousand tons in 2022, driven by stronger promotional efforts and consolidation of distribution channels across Europe. However, in 2023, volume fell to 524 thousand tons due to persistent global logistics disruptions, which raised transportation costs and constrained supply.

Production cherries in Southern Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

In Southern Europe, cherry production reached 554.3 thousand tonnes in 2020, showing a gradual increase of 8.3% compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production grew by 4%, which translates to an average annual growth rate of 1.3%. The lowest production level was recorded in 2019 at 511.8 thousand tonnes, while the peak occurred in 2018 with 560.5 thousand tonnes. The most significant decline took place in 2019, when production fell by 8.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in Southern Europe in kind, 2017-2020, K t

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

Cherry production in Southern Europe has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the output was valued at 1 629 million US dollars, representing a robust gain of 12.5% from 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, production value rose by 21%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 6.6%.

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

Exports cherries from Southern Europe

Exports in kind, t

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of cherries from Southern Europe increased in 2020. The region exported 72 618 tonnes of cherries, marking a moderate advance of 7.0% compared to 2019. However, over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports decreased by 13.4%, which corresponds to an average annual decline of 4.7%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 67 881 tonnes, while the largest drop occurred in 2018 with a decline of 13.8%.

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

During the 2017–2020 period, cherry exports from Southern Europe were distributed across a wide range of markets. Germany accounted for 20.7% of exports in kind, Russia for 9.5%, and the United Kingdom for 8.8%. Together, these three countries represented only 39.0% of total export flows, indicating a diversified market structure.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cherry exports from Southern Europe have increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 213.5 million US dollars, which is 11.1% higher than the previous year. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 174.8 million US dollars, and the largest decline also occurred in 2018 with a drop of 17.5%.

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

The structure of cherry exports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. Germany held 24.0% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom 12.4%, and the Netherlands 9.4%. Together, these three countries accounted for just 45.8% of total flows, with no single country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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

Imports cherries to Southern Europe

Imports in kind, t

Southern Europe's volume of cherry imports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, the region imported 72 618 tonnes of cherries, up by 23.7% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports grew by 72.4%, equating to an annualized growth rate of 19.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner landscape for cherry imports in kind was broad. Turkey accounted for 7.3% of imports in kind, Austria for 2.8%, and Germany for 2.7%. Together, these three countries formed only 12.8% of total import flows, while a substantial 87.2% came from many other countries.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Southern Europe's volume of cherry imports has increased for the third consecutive year. In 2020, imports amounted to 83.0 million US dollars, which is 25.5% greater year-over-year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 92.6%, with a compound annual growth rate of 24.4%.

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

The structure of cherry imports in value terms from 2017 to 2020 can be described as diversified. Turkey accounted for 8.9% of imports in value terms, Chile for 7.6%, and Argentina for 5.4%. Together, these three countries represented just 21.9% of total flows, with no country holding a clearly dominant position.

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

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