In W31 in the cherry landscape, the Aegean Exporters' Association reports that Turkish cherry exports amounted to 75 thousand metric tons (mt), valued at USD 205 million from the beginning of the 2023 season until August 4. This is a significant increase of 32% in volume and 54% in value compared to the 2022 season. Turkey reached 54 different export markets, increasing shipments to 34 countries and regions. Turkey is the world's leading cherry producer and its cherries garnered popularity beyond traditional markets like Germany and Russia, with high demand observed in countries such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and India. The 2023 season saw a substantial increase in exports to key markets, with Germany experiencing a 91% surge in exports to USD 92 million, followed by Russia with USD 41 million. Austria registered the highest increase of 686%, amounting to USD 14 million. Turkish cherry exports to Italy and Norway also showed remarkable growth of USD 7.7 million and USD 7.1 million, respectively.
2023/24 German cherry production is forecasted at 45.42 thousand mt. This is a 6.7% drop compared to the 2022/23 season and a 3.5% decline below the ten-year average. The drop is attributed to unfavorable weather conditions during pollination, including a wet and cold spring affecting bee activity and impacting early varieties. Late spring frosts in the south and west also contributed to reduced production. 2023/24 sweet cherry production is estimated at 35.56 thousand mt, while 2023/24 sour cherry output is expected to reach 9.86 thousand mt.
The extreme rainy weather in Jun-23 and the overlapping heat waves in the West Balkans caused a significant decline in sour cherry yield in the 2023 season. The product size and quality are also inferior compared to previous seasons. The decrease in quantity is causing a supply shortage, leading to a price surge. Prices of individual quick freezing (IQF) sour cherries are soaring in Aug-23, trading at USD 1.87/kilogram (kg) in Bulgaria and Turkey, USD 1.76/kg in Poland, and USD 1.65/kg in Serbia. Suppliers are expected to halt negotiations for product sales as prices are anticipated to continue rising.
Lastly, Dutch cherry growers encountered a challenging 2023 due to an exceptionally cold and wet spring. Cherry growers report a significant drop in harvest, approximately half of the 2022 cherry yield, resulting in a price surge. While slight regional variations exist, the Betuwe region, housing a majority of cherry growers, faces a particularly pronounced impact, with harvests reduced by 50% to 60%. Farmers attribute these challenges primarily to the severe frost during Mar-23. The summer rain impact is comparatively minor as most cherry trees are currently shielded from the elements.
