Sour cherries market in Russia

Earlier Report Observations

Between 2018 and 2020, the Russian sour cherries market expanded from 242.5 thousand tons to 261.4 thousand tons. The initial surge in 2018, a 5.1% increase, was supported by a 36.6% rise in imports from Turkey and Azerbaijan alongside a record 19.1% growth in retail sales, indicating robust demand and broader distribution channels. Growth slowed to 2.5% in 2019 as imports from Kazakhstan and Belarus fell, reducing total imports by 11%, and sales growth dropped to 0.3%. The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 did not halt the market's upward trajectory, which continued with a 2.5% increase, as consumer demand persisted and import spending rose by USD 18 million to compensate for reduced neighboring country supplies.

Market growth accelerated to 8.1% in 2021, reaching 282.5 thousand tons, while Russia maintained its position as a major global producer. Despite international sanctions, stable supplies from Turkey and Azerbaijan underscored the market's continued import dependency. A further 9.0% jump to 308.0 thousand tons occurred in 2022, partly driven by a shift in demand from frozen to fresh sour cherries after food manufacturers reduced purchases of frozen products. That same year, Rosselkhoznadzor introduced refined quality and safety requirements for fresh cherries in March, affecting product labeling and certification.

In 2023, the market volume contracted by 10.5% to 275.8 thousand tons. This decline coincided with the tightening of packaging standards under GOST 21921-76 (2022 version), which increased costs for producers. Although the market's value exceeded RUB 60 billion and the B2G segment grew, physical volumes were pressured by supply chain disruptions, including droughts and logistical constraints in key supplying countries.

Production sour cherries in Russia

In kind, 2017-2020, K t

Russia was the world's leading producer of sour cherries from 2017 to 2020.

Top producers of sour cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of sour cherries, 2017-2020

Russia's sour cherry production grew for the third year in a row. In 2020, the country produced 254.8 thousand tons, which was 4.6% higher than in 2019. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, production increased by 36.6%, averaging an annual growth rate of 11.0%.

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

Exports sour cherries from Russia

Exports in kind, t

The market experienced volatility during the observed period. Import levels varied significantly, with a 9.2-fold difference between the low in 2019 and the high in 2020. Russia exported 3 tons of sour cherries in 2020, representing an 817.9% increase compared to 2019. The minimum export volume was recorded in 2019 at 0.3 tons, while the largest decline occurred in 2018, dropping by 60.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Ukraine, Mongolia, and Belarus consistently led as the top destinations for Russia's sour cherry exports in volume terms. Ukraine accounted for 40.5% of exports, Mongolia for 39.2%, and Belarus for 19.7%, together making up 99.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

The market showed volatility over the observed period. Exports in value terms reached their lowest point in 2019 and peaked in 2020, with a 24-fold difference between these years. In 2020, Russia's sour cherry exports amounted to 3 thousand US dollars, marking a sharp increase of 2,266.1% compared to the previous year. The minimum value was recorded in 2019 at 0.1 thousand US dollars, and the largest decline occurred in 2019, falling by 92.0%.

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

Throughout 2017 to 2020, Mongolia and Belarus were the primary markets for Russia's sour cherry exports in value terms, jointly accounting for 86.0% of total flows, while other destinations had relatively smaller shares.

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

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

Imports sour cherries to Russia

Imports in kind, t

After two years of growth, sour cherry imports into Russia declined. In 2020, imports reached 6,560 tons, which was 42.0% lower than the previous year. Over the period from 2017 to 2020, imports decreased by 13.4%, with an average annual decline of 4.7%. The maximum import volume was recorded in 2019 at 11,313 tons, and the largest increase occurred in 2018, rising by 36.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belarus, Serbia, and Moldova were the largest suppliers of sour cherries to Russia in volume terms. Belarus accounted for 31.4% of imports, Serbia for 29.3%, and Moldova for 25.9%, together comprising 86.7% of total import flows.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

After two years of growth, sour cherry imports into Russia declined. In 2020, imports amounted to 7,427 thousand US dollars, indicating a sharp decrease of 29.9% compared to the previous year. Between 2017 and 2020, imports increased by 13.5%, averaging an annual growth rate of 4.3%. The maximum value was recorded in 2019 at 10,593 thousand US dollars, and the largest increase occurred in 2019, rising by 43.3%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Serbia, Moldova, and Iran accounted for the largest share of Russia's sour cherry imports in value terms. Serbia made up 49.2% of imports, Moldova 22.3%, and Iran 18.6%, together totaling 90.1% of total import flows.

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

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