Cherries market in Western Europe

Earlier Report Observations

The fresh cherry market in Western Europe opened the period with stable volumes around 218 500–219 400 tonnes in 2018–2019. A strong harvest in Germany, exceeding the ten-year average by nearly 20%, supported domestic production during these years. The market then contracted to 204 000 tonnes in 2020.

A steep decline occurred in 2021, with the market falling to 170 400 tonnes. This was primarily due to an 8.4% lower cherry harvest in Germany and the spread of the spotted wing drosophila (Drosophila suzukii), which damaged crops and reduced output. The market rebounded in 2022, growing by 13.3% to 193 100 tonnes. Milder weather conditions that improved vegetation and led to a higher harvest in Germany, coupled with robust demand in France where the harvest surged 126% above the previous year, drove this recovery.

In 2023, market volume decreased again to 176 600 tonnes. The reduction was linked to a smaller German harvest, which fell by 8 500 tonnes, and to elevated consumer prices that dampened consumption. Factors such as the introduction of new cherry varieties and persistent challenges from pests and extreme weather continued to influence the market.

Production cherries in Western Europe

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Top producers of cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of cherries, 2017-2020

Western Europe's cherry production volume declined after two years of growth. In 2020, the region produced 119.8 thousand tons of cherries, marking a 13.1% decrease from the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 48.7%, with a compound annual growth rate of 14.1%. The highest production level was recorded in 2019 at 137.8 thousand tons, while the largest year-on-year increase occurred in 2018 at 67.6%.

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

In value, 2017-2020, M $ US

The data shows irregular changes, indicating a volatile market environment. Import levels fluctuated 2.2 times between the low of 2017 and the high of 2019. In 2020, the output of cherries in Western Europe was valued at 440.1 million US dollars, representing a steep decrease of 26.7% compared to the previous year. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 600.8 million US dollars, while the largest increase occurred in 2018 at 74.4%.

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

Exports cherries from Western Europe

Exports in kind, K t

After a two-year decline, cross-border shipments of cherries from Western Europe increased. In 2020, the region exported 32.0 thousand tons of cherries, equivalent to a significant rise of 38.9% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, exports grew by 30.2%, equating to an annualized rate of 9.2%. The lowest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 23.0 thousand tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018 at 4.2%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the country breakdown of exports in kind was scattered, with no single partner emerging as clearly dominant. Switzerland accounted for 5.3% of exports in kind, the United Kingdom for 3.0%, and Sweden for 2.9%. Together, these three countries represented just 11.2% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, M $ US

Cross-border shipments of cherries from Western Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, exports amounted to 117.6 million US dollars, constituting a robust improvement of 17.1% compared to 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, exports increased by 38.3%, with a compound annual growth rate of 11.4%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 84.7 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 0.3%. The largest increase occurred in 2019 at 18.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, the partner structure for exports in value terms was balanced rather than concentrated. Switzerland accounted for 5.1% of exports in value terms, the United Kingdom for 3.2%, and Denmark for 3.0%. Together, these three countries jointly represented 11.3% of total flows, with many other countries accounting for the remaining 88.7%.

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

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

Imports cherries to Western Europe

Imports in kind, K t

In 2020, Western Europe imported 116.2 thousand tons of cherries, indicating a gain of 11.1% from 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports increased by 8.5%, with a compound annual growth rate of 2.8%. The lowest import volume was recorded in 2019 at 104.6 thousand tons, which also saw the largest decline of 2.4%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Hungary formed the core of imports in kind. Turkey accounted for 33.5% of imports in kind, Spain for 13.1%, and Hungary for 9.3%. Together, these three countries took 55.9% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, M $ US

Cherry imports into Western Europe increased for the second consecutive year. In 2020, imports came to 378.6 million US dollars, equivalent to an uptick of 12.6% compared to 2019. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 9.5%, equating to an annualized rate of 3.1%. The lowest value was recorded in 2018 at 309.4 million US dollars, which also saw the largest decline of 10.5%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Turkey, Spain, and Italy accounted for the largest share of imports in value terms. Turkey represented 41.5% of imports in value terms, Spain 14.8%, and Italy 12.1%. Together, these three countries comprised 68.3% of total import flows.

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

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