Best season in five years for Turkish cherries in 2024

01 Nov 2024
2461

Cherry suppliers in Turkey have seen an improvement in their situation over the last two years, despite a decline in profitability in Asia, refocusing attention on the European market.

Positive outlook for Turkish exporters

The outlook is favorable for Turkish cherry exporters, who experienced one of the best seasons in years in 2024, following strong performance the previous year.

In 2023, Turkish cherry exports reached 215,000 tons, valued at $83 million (approx. €78 million), a 60% increase over the previous year. In the first seven months of 2024, cherry export revenue increased by 209% to $4 million (approx. €3.8 million). The main markets were Germany, Russia, and Poland, with growth in value of 25%, 41%, and 112%, respectively.

Shift in focus to Europe

Gökyigit from Alanar noted, "We had a good cherry season, probably the best in five years," with both volume and quality. While Asia remains a target, high air transport costs and slowed demand have reinforced a European focus. “Asian markets used to be more profitable than Europe, but now are on the same level, so it’s less worthwhile to ship so far,” he explained.

Quality assurance efforts

Meanwhile, Turkey continues efforts to expand in East Asian markets like Singapore, Hong Kong, and India. Initiatives focus on quality guarantees and residue control, such as the “Know the Pesticides We Use” project and producing cherries free from the Mediterranean fruit fly.

Read full article: Fruitnet


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Sweet cherry breeding in Romania: new cultivars for yield, quality and resilience

Breeding

19 Mar 2026

Cherry breeding programs in Romania are developing early and late varieties with higher yields and improved resistance. These innovations extend harvest windows, enhance fruit quality, and support adaptation to climate change and evolving market demands.

Flavor-forward cherry and apricot breeding for global climates and top yields

Breeding

12 Jun 2025

COT INTERNATIONAL leads the way with high-performing cherry and apricot varieties, combining climate resilience, strong yields, and outstanding taste. Designed for growers worldwide, from warm valleys to cold mountains. The future of fruit begins with truly great flavor.

In evidenza

2026 cherry campaign: Vignola, Puglia and Trentino face heat and supply overlap

Markets

17 Jul 2026

Early heat, faster ripening and overlapping harvests across Vignola, Puglia and Trentino shaped the 2026 cherry campaign. Valfrutta Fresco and Agrintesa protected value, quality and grower returns through Vignola IGP cherries, organized supply and strong market demand.

Bacterial canker of sweet cherry: a global threat to cherry production

Crop protection

17 Jul 2026

Bacterial canker of sweet cherry, caused by several Pseudomonas syringae pathogens, threatens orchard yield and longevity. This article examines causes, symptoms, spread, diagnosis, and integrated strategies for sustainable prevention and control in cherry orchards.

Tag Popolari