Spain continues to open markets for its fruit beyond national borders. In 2024, until September, 5,004,938 tons were exported, a 9.5% increase compared to the same period in 2023, with a value of 7,379,203 euros, according to data from the Spanish Federation of Associations of Producers and Exporters of Fruits and Vegetables (FEPEX).
However, in 2024, records were also broken in certain sectors like stone fruits, as the value of these exports was 18% higher than the average and their volume 3.7% above average, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food.
One of the fruits identified as having the greatest export potential is the cherry. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), 70% of the world's cherry production is concentrated in 10 countries. In this ranking, Spain occupies the seventh position with an annual production of approximately 100,000 tons and a projected growth of 25% by 2025.
Currently, between 25% and 30% of cherry exports are destined for the European Union, but the sector aims to open a new market window in China. To this end, the Cherry Sector Roundtable, which brings together 70% of cherry producers, wants to “highlight the high capacity of Spanish cherries as an exportable product” and aims to make this the export protocol to negotiate between Spain and China.
According to the specialized media Fresh Plaza, this operation is part of those carried out in 2024 by the Ministries of Agriculture and Economy with over 16 countries to export more than 26 priority products.
In America, for example, negotiations have been conducted with Canada for cherry exports, with Colombia for persimmons, with Chile for citrus fruits and apples, and with the United States to allow the export of nectarines, peaches, plums, pears, and apples. In Asia, negotiations are underway with China to open its market to cherries, while with Japan, work is ongoing on citrus exports.
Source: Huffingtonpost
Image: Huffingtonpost
30 Aug 2024
The “cherry glow” promotion highlighted the benefits of cherries for health and beauty to boost consumption and movement of Northwest cherries. The promotion was launched across the United States, reaching retailers, media, influencers, and social media users.
19 May 2023
For Macfrut 2023 it was an honour to host Prof. Marlene Ayala of the Catholic University of Chile, the head of the main genetic improvement project for cherries started in 2010 in Chile..
25 Feb 2026
A study published in Plant Nano Biology evaluates zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized from Artemisia annua against Fusarium equiseti in sweet cherry. Results show a strong reduction of postharvest rot, highlighting a sustainable and innovative strategy for crop protection.
25 Feb 2026
In January 2026, Chile’s cherry exports fell to 1.227 billion dollars, below the record levels of 2024 and 2025. China absorbed 88% of total shipments, while the 2025/26 season posted lower figures compared with the previous campaign and the recent overall export trend.
