Cherry Season in Türkiye Rebounds After Difficult Start Following Adverse Weather

Fresh Sweet Cherry

Russia

Published Jul 21, 2023

After a dismal start due to adverse weather conditions, the Turkish cherry season 2022/23 has recovered. The fruit quality has improved, with estimates suggesting that export will reach 80,000 metric tons in 2023. Türkiye primarily exports cherries to Germany, Russia, and Asian countries such as India, Hong Kong, and Singapore. Overall increased production will result in higher export volume, while the Turkish cherry season is expected to last until the end of August.

Turkish cherry season 2022/23 has recovered after a disastrous start. The fruit quality has improved, despite the first part of the season being affected by weather conditions. Türkiye exported 57,000 metric tons (mt) of sweet cherries in 2022, worth USD 134 million, while 2023 estimates are around 80,000 mt, according to Gokce Yayimli, Tridge Origination manager in Türkiye. Turkish cherries are exported mainly to Germany, Russia, and Asian markets such as India, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Weather conditions ruined 80% of early sweet cherry trees in Kemalpasa, Türkiye, according to Yayimli. More information can be found in Tridge Local Insight - Early Sweet Cherry Producers Face Damage in Kemalpasa in the Izmir Province of Turkey. Harvest of cherries in Türkiye usually starts at the end of May and lasts until the middle of August, while the export period lasts a little bit longer, approximately 4-6 weeks from the end of cherry harvest.

Due to poor weather conditions in Europe, which impacted the quality and availability of early and mid-late types, the Turkish cherry season could have been better. In Spain, a significant competitor to Türkiye cherries, drought and high temperatures in May lowered the quality and size of cherries. Storms, heavy rains, and dryness ruined the expected volume of the Spanish cherry season. This resulted in lower offerings and subdued marketing, which was seen as an opportunity for Turkish traders. Still, a lack of demand from the European Union hampered early cherry varieties' placement in the market, while on the other hand, mid to late cherries are exhibiting increased interest.

Prices have remained constant at the beginning of July but may change in W4 of Jul-23. Due to optimistic weather projections, the large cherry yield indicates greater quantity and sales potential. The Turkish cherry season is approaching its end, with cherries projected to remain available for another five to six weeks.

Top Ten Trading Countries for Turkish Cherries

Source: Tridge

Besides exporting to European countries like Russia, France, England, and Germany, Turkish exporters also seek opportunities in East Asia. Türkiye's Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry negotiated with South Korea in 2020 to settle technical regulations for fresh cherry exports, and the first batches were shipped in 2021. Due to competition from US cherries, size, and fumigation concerns, Turkish suppliers struggled to penetrate the South Korean market, and efforts to increase cherry exports to South Korea are ongoing. Asian markets such as India, Hong Kong, and Singapore are gaining ground among Turkish traders. Based on the current market situation, Tridge predicts an increase of around 15% YoY in terms of export volume for Turkish cherries.