The analytical team at EastFruit continues to closely monitor the markets of frozen berries and the raw materials required for production. After our comprehensive analysis of the raspberry market, available here, we now turn our attention to the current landscape and price trends of sweet and sour cherries and blackcurrants for freezing.
In the EU wholesale market, frozen sweet and sour cherries are priced between 1.90 and 2.10 euros, depending on their quality. There is strong demand for these fruits, with buyers eager to secure or negotiate these products at prevailing rates - a harbinger of potential price increases on the horizon.
Just a week ago, Moldovan processors, along with their counterparts in some Ukrainian regions, began sourcing these stone fruits. Moldovan entities are ready to pay about 0.60-0.75 euros per kilogram.
However, the higher supply in the fresh market means that these fruits are predominantly found in the fresh produce aisles, leaving the bulk purchase aspirations of the freezing industry currently unmet. The export prices of fresh sour cherries in Moldova hover around 0.90-1.10 euros FCA, directly from orchards or storage facilities.
The season started about fifteen days ago, characterized by high prices reflecting the exceptional quality of the fruits. Export-oriented farmers meticulously harvested and packaged the finest sour cherries. However, the subsequent flood in Moldova inflicted considerable damage to orchards, causing split and water-laden cherries.
This situation has driven many growers to turn to the processing market, albeit with the expectation of prices that offset the cost of manual labor for cherry harvesting, estimated at 7-8 lei (0.36-0.42 euros) per kilogram.
The blackcurrant has captured the attention of freezers and importers in the EU. The price of high-quality blackcurrants has risen to 1.7-1.8 euros per kilogram. This year, Ukrainian growers are at the peak of a lucrative opportunity, a rare event that occurs once every few years.
In theory, growers could fetch between 25 and 30 UAH per kilogram from the freezing sector. However, ongoing hostilities and the associated risks to Ukraine's civilian energy infrastructure may force processors to err on the side of caution, potentially leading to more conservative price offers.
Read the full article: East Fruit
Image: Chinchiolo Farming
04 Dec 2024
The Head System SRP training system exploits the natural acrotony of the cherry tree to the advantage of its productivity, earliness and efficiency in crop management. This development has evolved using an annual or biennial branch-breaking technique.
04 Dec 2025
Discover the best nutritional practices to improve cherry size, firmness, and post-harvest life. A complete guide to calcium, potassium, boron, and nitrogen applications, plus leaf and soil analysis to ensure top-quality fruit throughout the entire growing season.
08 Apr 2026
A Chilean study evaluates chemical agents and application timing to improve sweet cherry bud break. Results show impacts on uniformity, flowering, and fruit set, offering practical strategies to address reduced winter chill under climate change conditions.
08 Apr 2026
A study conducted in Cadriano, Bologna, investigates shading nets on Sweet Saretta cherry trees, showing improved plant water status, reduced vapor pressure deficit and enhanced physiological efficiency, with direct effects on fruit growth processes and overall quality.
