Sour cherries market in the Netherlands

Earlier Report Observations

The Dutch sour cherry market volume grew from 4 450 t in 2018 to 5 540 t in 2019, driven by rising imports which reached 1 693 t. This expansion was supported by the introduction of new cherry varieties and increased retail focus on seasonal authenticity, stimulating consumer demand for fresh sour cherries.

Market volume fluctuated over the following years, dipping to 5 207 t in 2020 before recovering to 5 813 t in 2021 and then easing to 5 590 t in 2022. During this period, domestic production declined steadily from 4 200 t to 3 600 t, while import levels varied.

In 2023, the market reached 6 744 t, its highest point, as imports surged to 3 501 t. Factors such as the near-tripling of sweet cherry cultivation area since 2000, the 2024 ban on two plant protection products against exotic fruit flies, and growing consumer interest in organic and sour cherries are influencing the market's evolution.

Production sour cherries in the Netherlands

In kind, 2017-2020, t

Between 2017 and 2020, the Netherlands ranked as the 23rd largest producer of sour cherries globally.

Top producers of sour cherries, 2017-2020

World map of production of sour cherries, 2017-2020

The market showed significant volatility during this period. Production reached its lowest point in 2017, then peaked in 2019 at 4 270 tonnes, representing a {ampRatio}-fold increase from the low. In 2020, production dropped to 4 100 tonnes, a 4.0% decrease year-over-year. The largest annual increase occurred in 2019, at 1.7%.

Annual dynamics of production in the Netherlands in kind, 2017-2020, t

Exports sour cherries from the Netherlands

Exports in kind, t

After two consecutive years of growth, the Netherlands' sour cherry export volume declined in 2020. Exports fell to 252 tonnes that year, a sharp 40.5% drop from 2019. Over the 2017-2020 period, exports decreased by 31%, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of -11.7%. The highest export volume was recorded in 2019 at 423 tonnes, which also saw the largest annual increase of 9.9%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden were the Netherlands' key export partners for sour cherries by volume. Germany accounted for 45.3% of exports, Belgium for 23.8%, and Sweden for 7.3%. Together, these three countries represented 76.4% of total export flows.

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

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

Exports in value, K $ US

In 2020, the Netherlands exported sour cherries worth 1 258 thousand US dollars, marking a strong 22.5% increase from 2019. However, over the full 2017-2020 period, export value decreased by 49.1%, with a CAGR of -20.2%. The lowest value was recorded in 2019 at 1 026 thousand US dollars, which saw the largest annual decline of 60.4%. The peak occurred in 2018 at 2 591 thousand US dollars.

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

Between 2017 and 2020, Germany, Belgium, and Sweden were the main destinations for the Netherlands' sour cherry exports by value. Germany absorbed 58.3% of export value, Belgium 16.6%, and Sweden 6.7%. Collectively, these three countries accounted for 81.5% of total export value.

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

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

Imports sour cherries to the Netherlands

Imports in kind, t

Import volumes showed an unstable trend throughout the period. The lowest point was in 2018 at 636 tonnes, while imports peaked in 2019 at 1 693 tonnes—a 2.7-fold difference. In 2020, imports fell to 1 359 tonnes, a significant 19.8% decline from 2019. The largest annual decrease occurred in 2018 at 34.6%, while the largest increase was in 2019 at 166.4%.

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

From 2017 to 2020, Belgium, Hungary, and Czechia were the primary suppliers of sour cherries to the Netherlands by volume. Belgium contributed 28.0% of imports, Hungary 27.5%, and Czechia 11.9%. Together, these three countries made up 67.4% of total import volume.

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

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

Imports in value, K $ US

Import values exhibited irregular changes, reflecting a volatile market. The low point was in 2018 at 1 582 thousand US dollars, while the high came in 2020 at 3 991 thousand US dollars—a 2.5-fold increase. In 2020, import value rose by 42.2% compared to 2019. The largest annual decline was in 2018 at 52.4%, while the largest increase occurred in 2019 at 77.3%.

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

Over the 2017-2020 period, Belgium, Hungary, and Czechia led as the top suppliers of sour cherries to the Netherlands by value. Belgium accounted for 29.7% of import value, Hungary for 19.3%, and Czechia for 14.5%. Their combined share reached 63.5% of total import value.

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

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