Cherries market in the United Kingdom

Earlier Report Observations

From 2018 to 2019, the UK cherry market saw a boost in domestic production, with output rising from 3 568 t to 5 745 t. This growth was supported by favorable spring weather that improved crop quality and yield, while major retailer Tesco's commitment to stocking only UK-grown cherries during the season reinforced the focus on local supply. Concurrently, frosts in key producing countries like Turkey and Greece created export opportunities, helping UK exports to nearly double from 379 t to 717 t in 2019.

Market volume in physical terms fluctuated over the following years, dipping to 17 800 t in 2020 before recovering to 18 523 t by 2022. In value terms, the market demonstrated stronger growth, expanding from 71.6 million dollars in 2018 to 90.5 million dollars in 2022, indicating a trend towards higher-value sales despite volume variability.

By 2023, the market volume had contracted to 16 178 t, yet its value remained elevated at 86.3 million dollars. This shift reflected a strategic move by growers to diversify into premium and specialty cherry varieties, catering to consumer demand for luxury fruit with an emphasis on provenance and direct sales. The introduction of sour cherry products also helped sustain year-round consumption interest beyond the fresh season.

Production cherries in the United Kingdom

In kind, 2018-2021, t

Top producers of cherries, 2018-2021

World map of production of cherries, 2018-2021

Cherry production in the United Kingdom has declined for the second year in a row. In 2021, the UK produced 3,167 tonnes of cherries, which represents a 43.9% decrease compared to the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, production fell by 11.2%, with an average annual decline of 3.9%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 5,745 tonnes, which also saw the largest increase of 61.0%.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

In value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Following two years of growth, cherry production in the United Kingdom experienced a decline. In 2021, the value of cherry output in the UK was $19,898,000, down by 33.1% from the previous year. Between 2018 and 2021, production value decreased by 6.3%, translating to an average annual reduction of 2.2%. The peak value was recorded in 2020 at $29,732,000, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 39.7% rise.

Annual dynamics of production in the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Exports cherries from the United Kingdom

Exports in kind, t

The market showed significant fluctuations during this period. Exports reached their lowest point in 2018 and peaked in 2020, with a 2.8-fold difference between these years. In 2021, cherry exports from the United Kingdom totaled 506 tonnes, marking a sharp decline of 51.7% compared to 2020. The highest export volume was recorded in 2020 at 1,048 tonnes, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with an 89.1% surge.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, three key markets—the Netherlands, Ireland, and France—collectively accounted for 66.0% of the United Kingdom's total cherry exports by volume.

Structure of product's exports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Exports in value, K $ US

After two years of improvement, the value of cherry exports from the United Kingdom declined. In 2021, exports were valued at $3,178,000, showing a significant reduction of 42.4% from the previous year. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, export value increased by 40.8%, with an average annual growth rate of 12.1%. The highest value was recorded in 2020 at $5,516,000, and the largest increase occurred in 2019 with a 64.1% rise.

Annual dynamics of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

Throughout 2018–2021, the Netherlands (33.4% of export value), Ireland (29.2%), and France (7.9%) formed the core of the United Kingdom's cherry exports by value, together accounting for 70.5% of total flows.

Structure of product's exports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's exports from the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021

Imports cherries to the United Kingdom

Imports in kind, t

Following two years of decline, cherry imports into the United Kingdom increased. In 2021, imports amounted to 15,490 tonnes, up by 17.3% compared to 2020. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2020 at 13,201 tonnes, and the largest decline occurred in 2019 with a 12.4% drop.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021, t

From 2018 to 2021, Spain (48.7% of import volume), Chile (13.5%), and Germany (11.8%) remained the top suppliers of cherries to the United Kingdom, jointly accounting for 74.0% of total imports by volume.

Structure of product's imports in kind by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in kind, 2018-2021

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of reduction, the value of cherry imports into the United Kingdom rose. In 2021, imports reached $65,805,000, up by 38.0% from 2020. Over the period from 2018 to 2021, import value increased by 25.1%, with an average annual growth rate of 7.7%. The lowest value was recorded in 2020 at $47,679,000, and the largest decline occurred in 2020 with a 5.0% decrease.

Annual dynamics of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021, K $ US

From 2018 to 2021, Spain (42.1% of import value), Chile (21.8%), and Argentina (5.4%) continued to lead as the main suppliers of cherries to the United Kingdom by value, together accounting for 69.2% of total imports.

Structure of product's imports in value by countries, 2018-2021

World map of product's imports to the United Kingdom in value, 2018-2021