Cherries from Lake Constance mark the start of the German season

The German cherry season is gaining momentum with positive expectations. Obst vom Bodensee Vertriebsgesellschaft (OvB) expects an overall favourable campaign for domestic cherries, despite a slight delay in vegetative development. The first harvests have already started at partner farms in Rheinhessen, while harvesting in the Lake Constance area will begin in week 25, starting from June 8.

The first major event of the stone fruit season

For the German supply chain, cherries represent the first real test of the stone fruit season. Ralph Titze, product management manager at Obst vom Bodensee Vertriebsgesellschaft, highlights the value of regional production, harvested and marketed within short timeframes, able to stand out for its freshness and territorial identity.

According to OvB, the Lake Constance product aims to confirm its premium positioning, supported by high production standards and a strong focus on fruit quality.

Favourable weather and frost protection support quality

Growers are looking to the campaign with confidence. After a winter marked by an adequate accumulation of chill hours, the cool spring and good conditions during flowering supported the regular development of the orchards.

So far, frost damage has remained limited. This result is also attributed to the use of active protection tools such as wind machines, frost candles and Frostbuster systems.

Fruit development is slightly delayed compared with the historical average, but production forecasts remain stable. Many farms expect volumes in line with last year, while some areas could even record higher quantities.

A particularly positive factor concerns water availability during the key stage of cell division. For OvB, this should translate into cherries of excellent quality, with attractive sizes, good firmness and a high organoleptic profile.

Organic production grows under cover

In the organic segment too, Obst vom Bodensee confirms a strategy based on regional origin, food safety and quality. Within the producer organisations, around 15 hectares of organic cherries are cultivated, all under protected cultivation with full netting.

Production is mainly concentrated within the Bioland and Naturland associations, with more limited volumes certified as Demeter.

Markus Schraff, organic sales manager at Obst vom Bodensee Vertriebsgesellschaft, emphasises how the region’s organic cherries combine sustainability, traceability and short supply chains. Protected cultivation makes it possible to better manage production conditions and offer a safe, local and premium fruit.

German cherries defend their space on the market

The German market remains open to imports from Greece, Spain and Turkey, but operators believe that domestic cherries retain a clear competitive advantage: regional origin, shorter distribution times and maximum freshness.

According to Titze, German cherries respond to growing demand for food safety, reliability and resilient supply chains. These criteria concern not only Lake Constance, but also Obst vom Bodensee partner farms in Rheinhessen and Altes Land.

The “Deutsche Superheldin Kirsche” campaign returns

In 2026, German cooperative marketers are relaunching the national “Deutsche Superheldin Kirsche” campaign, meaning “The cherry, Germany’s superheroine”. After its debut last year, the initiative continues with the aim of strengthening consumer awareness of the value of regional origin and local production.

The central moment will be week 28, with “German superhero cherry day” scheduled for July 9. Activities will involve points of sale, social media and commercial channels, with the aim of positioning German cherries as a premium regional product, also recognisable on an emotional level.

The campaign focuses on short supply chains, high production standards and the added value of locally produced fruit.

Costs and labour remain critical issues

Despite the positive outlook, economic pressure on fruit farms remains significant. Rising costs for labour, logistics and fertilisers continue to weigh on margins.

This is compounded by the difficulty of finding seasonal labour, a particularly sensitive issue for a labour-intensive crop such as cherries.

For Obst vom Bodensee, the response also lies in more effective communication with the consumer: making the value of local production visible means supporting not only a fresh and traceable fruit, but also the economic continuity of the farms that safeguard the territory.

Text and image source: Freshplaza

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