A generous summer for German cherry growing: production rebounds compared to 2024 and favorable climatic conditions.
German fruit-growing companies can celebrate a particularly positive cherry harvest season. According to the final data released by the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis) as of August 20, 2025, the total cherry harvest reached 47,100 tons, marking a 4.2% increase compared to the 2015–2024 ten-year average.
The lion’s share was taken by sweet cherries, which accounted for 79% of the total harvest, equal to 37,300 tons. The remaining 9,800 tons (21%) consisted of sour cherries. Compared with 2024 — a year marked by very disappointing results — there was a clear recovery: the total cherry production increased by 11,700 tons, up 33.1%.
Specifically, the sweet cherry harvest recorded a 33.6% growth compared to the previous year, exceeding by 9,400 tons the drastically reduced volume of 2024. Even when compared with the ten-year average (32,900 tons), the 2025 season shows a positive balance of 13.3%.
At the core of these strong results were optimal climatic conditions during flowering: the season unfolded without spring frosts or significant hailstorms in the main growing areas.
Currently, sweet cherries are grown in Germany on about 5,700 hectares, with Baden-Württemberg confirming itself as the national leader with 2,600 hectares under cultivation. Here, 17,600 tons were harvested, representing 47% of the national total.
Behind Baden-Württemberg is Lower Saxony, with 5,000 tons harvested on just 480 hectares, showing high productivity per area. Although Rhineland-Palatinate (660 ha) and Bavaria (540 ha) have larger growing areas, the quantities harvested were lower: 3,700 tons and 1,800 tons respectively.
It is interesting to note the variations compared to 2024: while in Baden-Württemberg production fell slightly by 250 tons (-1%), in Lower Saxony there was a 67% surge, and even greater increases came from Rhineland-Palatinate (+76%) and Bavaria (+30%).
These territorial differences are explained by the anomalous trend of the previous year: in 2024, Baden-Württemberg recorded an exceptionally positive season, while the other regions were severely affected by adverse weather events.
The 2025 season marks a significant recovery for German cherry growing, driven by favorable weather and a return to average production in many areas. If weather conditions continue to support cultivation, the sector could be heading towards a phase of greater production stability, with positive effects also on European exports.
Source: fruitnet.com
Image source: Fruchthandel Magazin
25 Mar 2024
This was the title of the meeting held on 15 March at the operational headquarters of the OP Giuliano - PugliaFruit in Rutigliano, where the problems of a sector that shows alarming signs of little interest and from agricultural entrepreneurs were discussed.
29 May 2024
A research group is experimenting with a more efficient way to monitor and document yields and their variability, using a three-part technology placed on a mechanical harvest receiver to automate the process.
23 Apr 2026
Corette® rootstocks by Agromillora show strong adaptability to Mediterranean soils in Spain. Trials highlight good yields, early production and suitability for intensive orchards, improving efficiency, fruit quality and long-term sustainability.
23 Apr 2026
A Tasmanian research project examines how rain covers alter orchard microclimates, analysing impacts on cherry quality, yield and tree growth. Findings will help growers manage hotter summers, extreme rainfall events and the increasing challenges of climate change.
