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
19 Mar 2025
China starts the destruction of 1,300 containers of damaged Chilean cherries, stranded at sea for more than 20 days. More than 24,000 tonnes of fruit, worth USD 120 million, were rejected: a blow to Chilean exports and the global fruit and vegetable market.
14 May 2024
"In terms of marketing, they are fundamental - states Diego Aguilar, president of the Chamber of Cherries of Mendoza - but the first 10-15 days are fundamental. From October 25 to November 10 is the window that remains open in Mendoza to make a difference".
18 Apr 2025
A Romanian study explores the link between sweet cherry cracking and fruit quality factors such as weight, firmness, and pH. Findings provide actionable insights for enhancing cultivar resistance and supporting cherry growers in challenging climates.
18 Apr 2025
A groundbreaking agrivoltaic pilot project in Germany installs lightweight solar panels over cherry orchards using existing weather protection systems—maximizing land use, preserving fruit yields and offering a replicable, sustainable model for smart farming across Europe.
