In 2024, cherry consumption within the European Union reached 629,000 tonnes, marking a 4.5% increase compared to the previous year.
This represents the highest level recorded over the past decade. The positive trend is confirmed by the report published by the analysis platform IndexBox, “EU - Cherries - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights”.
At the same time, market value also increased by 5.5%, reaching $2.5 billion (approximately €2.33 billion).
According to the report, Italy, Poland and Spain remain the leading markets by volume of cherries consumed in 2024.
With 112,000, 80,000 and 80,000 tonnes respectively, these three countries together accounted for 43% of total European consumption.
Other countries with significant consumption were Greece, Germany and Bulgaria, as well as Romania and France, which together covered a further 43% of continental demand.
In per capita terms, Bulgaria tops the ranking with 7.4 kg per inhabitant, followed by Greece (6.8 kg) and Poland (2.1 kg).
Cherry imports into the EU also reached record levels: 162,000 tonnes in 2024, with a year-on-year increase of 6.5%.
Between 2013 and 2024, the average annual growth rate stood at +5.3%, with notable peaks in the 2022–2023 period: +36.4% and +28% respectively.
The main importers were Germany (39,000 tonnes, 24%), followed by Austria (32,000 t, 20%) and Italy (18,000 t, 11%).
The Netherlands, France, Poland and Portugal followed in terms of volumes. The remaining 9.7% was shared among Bulgaria, Romania and Belgium.
Poland stands out for having recorded the fastest growth rate over the 2013–2024 period, with a CAGR of +21.8%.
In 2024, the European Union exported a total of 120,000 tonnes of cherries, up 2.5% compared to 2023.
Although growth was moderate, volumes remain stable and close to the 2021 record (121,000 tonnes).
In terms of exporting countries, Spain maintains its leadership with 35,000 tonnes, followed by Greece (28,000 t) and Austria (25,000 t).
Together, these three markets account for 73% of total exports. Austria stood out for having the most dynamic growth rate over the past 10 years (+16.9% CAGR).
In value terms as well, Spain, Austria and Greece dominate the scene, with exports worth $141 million, $105 million and $85 million respectively (approximately €131 million, €97 million and €79 million).
Once again, Austria shows significant growth in value (+16.5% CAGR).
Cherry production in the EU reached 587,000 tonnes in 2024, an increase of 3.6% compared to 2023.
However, this figure remains below the all-time high of 607,000 tonnes recorded in 2022.
The value of production reached $2.3 billion (approximately €2.14 billion), with an average annual growth rate of 2.6% since 2013.
2023 recorded the most significant increase (+15%), and forecasts point to further consolidation in the coming years.
The main producers in 2024 were Spain (110,000 t), Greece (99,000 t) and Italy (98,000 t), which together account for 52% of total European production.
In particular, Greece recorded the most significant growth over the 2013–2024 period, with a CAGR of +6.8%.
The trend of steady growth in consumption, imports and cherry production in the EU reflects solid internal demand and the sector’s growing commercial relevance.
Outlooks for the coming years appear to confirm this momentum, opening up new opportunities for exports, varietal innovation and the strengthening of local supply chains.
Source: portalfruticola.com
Image source: Fruit Gourmet
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