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.
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.
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.
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
10 Oct 2023
Producers have several management strategies at their disposal to increase the final size of the fruit, including fruit load regulation, proper irrigation and fertilisation management, and the application of biostimulants and growth regulators.
23 May 2025
Drosophila suzukii threatens European orchards, causing crop losses up to 50%. A Portuguese project is testing traps, covers and natural techniques to reduce the impact of this invasive fruit fly and make fruit production more resilient, efficient and sustainable.
01 Oct 2026
Chile’s 2026/27 cherry season is projected at 132 million boxes. With volumes rising and China still the key market, refrigerated transport, cold chain management, traceability and advance logistics planning will be crucial to protect quality, timing and profitability.
01 Oct 2026
A new study shows that ethephon can delay flowering in Kordia sweet cherries, potentially reducing the risk of damage from late spring frosts. The effect varies by cultivar, dose and timing, and further multi-year field trials are needed before practical recommendations.
