In the summer of this year, German orchards experienced a below-average cherry harvest, significantly less than initially estimated. According to the final estimates from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) as of August 20, a total of 40,200 tons of cherries were picked. Compared to the above-average yield of 48,700 tons in 2022, this represented a decrease of about 8,500 tons, or 17.5%.
It was also 14.7% smaller compared to the average yield from 2013 to 2022, which was 47,100 tons. The initial preliminary estimate made on June 10, 2023, had projected a harvest of 45,400 tons. The lower cherry harvest was attributed to factors such as an early flowering season, late frosts in certain regions, which negatively affected the fruits, as well as pest infestations and local storms with heavy rainfall leading to reduced yields.
The final estimate for the sweet cherry harvest in 2023, according to Destatis, was 32,400 tons, which was 6,100 tons, or 15.9%, less than the previous year and 900 tons, or 2.8%, less than the ten-year average of 33,300 tons.
Sweet cherries are cultivated on a total of 5,700 hectares in Germany, with Baden-Württemberg being the largest state with 2,600 hectares and harvesting over 42% of the popular fruits, totaling 13,800 tons. Niedersachsen ranked second with 5,000 tons of sweet cherries from 500 hectares, followed by Rheinland-Pfalz with 2,800 tons from 700 hectares.
Read the full article: Fruchthandel
10 Dec 2024
Nitrogen fertilisation affects important aspects of production, such as fruit quality. Moderate doses favour greater sweetness, texture and size of the fruit, while excessive doses can compromise fruit quality.
15 May 2026
In Apulia, the 2026 cherry season starts under pressure from rain, cracking, Bigarreau damage and falling prices. Early varieties are struggling, while growers and traders focus on Ferrovia cherries, crop covers and shared strategies to protect quality, income and market value.
30 Sep 2026
A new UK project will use bioacoustic sensors, AI and field trials to measure pollinator activity, improve fruit set, yield and quality, and support more resilient production of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and cherries across commercial farms.
29 Sep 2026
After a difficult season, Chile aims to relaunch its cherries in China through higher quality, reputation management and new commercial strategies. The industry is also looking to India and the United States, while rebuilding consumer trust remains the main priority.
