The 2026 cherry season is progressing at different speeds across the main producing countries in the Northern Hemisphere. In many areas, favourable conditions during fruit development have supported high yields and greater product availability. However, the increase in supply is putting downward pressure on prices, particularly in European markets.
The overall picture remains highly uneven. Heatwaves, hailstorms, late frosts and thunderstorms have caused localised damage, while some regions continue to report lower-than-expected production. International demand is also showing contrasting trends: Europe is absorbing significant volumes, including fruit from Turkey, but competition between origins is making price formation increasingly complex.
In North America, harvesting is advancing amid rising production in Washington State and declines in other areas. South Africa continues to invest in expanding its cherry industry, while Australia and New Zealand have completed seasons with contrasting results. In China, meanwhile, weaker demand is placing strong pressure on prices for imported cherries.
In week 26 of 2026, cherries traded on Italian wholesale markets reached price levels that were considerably more affordable than during the previous season.
In 2025, a severe shortage of supply had kept prices between €5.00 and €10.00/kg. This year, by contrast, the absence of widespread weather-related problems and higher production have led to a sharp reduction in price levels. Quotations start at around €2.00/kg for small-sized Italian cherries and reach €5.00/kg for the largest sizes.
The Puglia season has proved particularly complex. The early Bigarreau variety suffered significant damage, with an estimated loss of 60% of the total crop.
The situation was different for Ferrovia. Weather conditions supported excellent organoleptic characteristics and above-average yields per hectare, but strong competition from Greece and Turkey sharply restricted exports from the second half of June onwards.
Bigarreau failed to reach markets north of the Alps, while Ferrovia was also supplied to the large-scale retail sector in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands and Belgium.
Harvesting of the late Staccato variety began in the final days of June. According to a grower from Puglia, results have been very positive in both production and commercial terms, with high yields and recovering prices, particularly on the Italian market.
The 2026 season for mountain-grown cherries from Trentino-Alto Adige has also begun. Volumes are increasing and expectations are high, supported by a market that in recent years has recognised and rewarded the distinctive organoleptic qualities of this production.
Mountain cherries are expected to remain available until mid-August.
The Dutch season is now in full swing, with excellent yields and fruit sizes considered satisfactory by growers. However, last week’s heatwave caused sunburn damage, especially to fruit that was close to harvest.
The impact varies according to the variety. One grower reported that all the rain covers had been whitewashed, while stressing that there is little growers can do when faced with exceptionally high temperatures.
The heat also affected direct sales. Fewer people travelling by bicycle weakened demand, with purchases concentrated mainly among consumers travelling by air-conditioned car. With milder temperatures forecast, operators now expect a recovery in sales.
From an economic perspective, prices recorded at auction were considered disappointing. According to the grower, selling at €4.50/kg does not allow a professional business to cover its costs. Labour alone costs €32 per hour, bringing harvesting costs to around €3/kg.
Such prices may perhaps be acceptable for hobby growers, who rely on help from relatives and friends, but they are not compatible with the financial sustainability of a professionally organised business.
The French market started the season positively in early May, but conditions became more challenging from mid-June onwards.
The production peak, reached around 10 June, occurred without any significant weather disruption to slow the harvest. High temperatures accelerated ripening further, concentrating a large volume of fruit into approximately two weeks.
Demand was unable to absorb all available volumes. The resulting oversupply pushed prices down and disrupted the season’s commercial balance.
The situation began to improve this week. Lower temperatures and the gradual launch of retail promotions are helping to restore a better balance between demand and availability. Despite the commercial difficulties, overall fruit quality has remained good.
French production in 2026 is estimated at 30,800 tonnes, 4% below 2025. The decline is mainly linked to hailstorms that affected the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in May.
The reduction in cultivated area and unfavourable spring conditions, characterised by rain and wind, also affected early varieties in particular. Nevertheless, the crop is expected to stand 8% above the average of the previous five seasons.
Overall, European production appears abundant, supported by Italy’s recovery and a good Spanish crop. The Spanish season started around three weeks earlier than in 2025, increasing competitive pressure on the French market from the early stages of the campaign.
Initial assessments indicate that Germany could harvest around 40,300 tonnes of cherries in 2026. This volume would be 20.5% above the ten-year average and 8.2% higher than last season’s already abundant crop.
Across a total cultivated area of approximately 5,600 hectares, average yield is expected to reach 7.1 tonnes per hectare. This represents an increase of 23.9% compared with the ten-year average of 5.8 tonnes per hectare.
Baden-Württemberg, Germany’s leading cherry-producing state, is expected to harvest 19,200 tonnes from 2,600 hectares, up 9.2% year on year.
Lower Saxony is forecast to produce 5,100 tonnes from 500 hectares, an increase of 2.0%, while Rhineland-Palatinate is expected to harvest around 3,800 tonnes from 660 hectares, up 2.4%.
Supplies of cherries packed in handled bags are gradually increasing in the large-scale retail sector. Prices are generally lower than last year and are expected to remain at these levels for the rest of the season.
One distributor recalled that in 2025 Germany had benefited from the near-total absence of Turkey, whose crop had been severely damaged by frost, while domestic production had been satisfactory. The German crop is again strong in 2026, but greater international competition is placing heavy pressure on prices.
The Spanish season is around two weeks from completion, apart from a few areas with more limited production. The campaign has been shaped by pressure from international supply, smaller fruit sizes and a decline in marketable yields.
The situation is very different from 2025, when frost caused a drastic drop in production among the main competing countries, particularly Turkey, Greece, Hungary and Moldova.
Spanish cherries entered the market this year at prices close to €6/kg, between €2 and €2.50 below the opening level of the previous season.
The main production areas were affected by heatwaves, which caused sunburn on fruit still on the trees. These were followed by localised storms, with significant consequences for marketable yields. For some varieties, the share of fruit suitable for sale fell below 50%.
The availability of first-class cherries consequently declined, while smaller sizes predominated, a trend also observed in other stone fruit. The most common fruit sizes on the market ranged from 24 to 26 millimetres.
At certain points, there were also episodes of supply shortages. At Mercabarna, Barcelona’s wholesale fruit and vegetable market, French cherries paradoxically appeared, supported by the low prices generated by saturation of the French market.
Prices for Spanish fruit were not particularly low, but neither were they satisfactory. Quality deterioration and the reduction in marketable yields caused significant financial losses.
Local production from Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany has also been available for around two weeks. Although growers in these countries are not strongly export-oriented, their domestic supply is further reducing market opportunities for Spanish cherries.
Swiss production is showing good quality this season. The Swiss Fruit Association forecasts a crop of around 2,400 tonnes, up 6% on last year.
The main harvest period is currently under way and is expected to last around three weeks in total. During this period, weekly volumes of between 400 and 600 tonnes are forecast.
The Austrian wholesale market is supplied mainly by Italy, Spain and Turkey, while domestic production plays a complementary role.
In Styria, the country’s main cherry-growing region, the use of frost-protection systems, anti-hail nets and plastic covers has increased. According to the Professional Fruit Growers’ Association, weather conditions have been favourable and the crop has not suffered any significant effects from either drought or frost.
Following last year’s good result, operators describe the 2026 crop as excellent. Harvesting is expected to continue for another three weeks.
Austrian cherries are grown across a total of 120 hectares, mainly in eastern Styria, with production estimated at 240 tonnes.
Turkey achieved abundant production across all its main cherry-growing regions, and harvesting has now ended. Results were also positive in mid- and late-ripening areas, with no significant problems concerning quality or fruit size.
Europe remains the main destination for Turkish cherries. Russian demand was also sustained throughout the season, while demand from Asian markets was more limited.
In these latter markets, the particularly low prices offered by competing origins are making it more difficult to position Turkish fruit.
Compared with the shortages that characterised last season, the 2026 picture has changed completely. The abundant crop has ensured a steady supply, keeping prices at more balanced levels and strengthening Turkey’s competitiveness in export markets.
In Washington State, following a week of variable weather conditions, growers and exporters expect particularly intense activity in harvesting and shipments over the coming days.
High temperatures accelerated ripening at the beginning of the week, while subsequent scattered showers and wind gusts had only a limited impact.
The season began without any significant overlap with California production. The Rainier season, which started a few days earlier than usual, is also expected to end ahead of schedule.
Harvesting also began last week in British Columbia. In this region, however, the crop is significantly smaller than last season. The uneven distribution of fruit is attributed to the high temperatures recorded during development.
British Columbia also began harvesting earlier than usual, while shipments are expected to continue until the end of August.
Michigan, meanwhile, is preparing for a below-average crop. Some orchards are reporting reductions of up to 50%, caused by a late frost and probably insufficient pollination in some parts of the state.
Despite the weather-related challenges faced in the Western Cape, cherries contributed to the growth of South African stone-fruit exports during the previous season.
According to Hortgro, sea and air shipments increased by 111%, reaching a total of 309,467 equivalent 5 kg cartons.
The United Kingdom remained the leading destination, receiving 164,700 equivalent 5 kg cartons between weeks 40 and 52. Shipments to the Far East and Asia reached 57,400 cartons, followed by 45,500 cartons sent to the European Union and almost 38,000 shipped to countries in the Middle East.
Industry expansion has been supported by the development of low-chill varieties. More than 800 hectares of cherry orchards have been planted in South Africa, mainly in the Western Cape, but also in non-traditional production areas such as Limpopo and North West provinces.
Over the past seven years, the country’s total area planted with cherries has almost doubled.
Localised rainfall did not prevent Australia from completing a good cherry season. The outcome was very different in New Zealand, where adverse conditions compounded a series of disappointing seasons and prompted some growers to leave the industry.
In Australia, favourable growing conditions produced fruit that was in strong demand, particularly in Asian markets. Australian cherries occupy a niche market, as high labour costs limit their ability to compete primarily on price.
Vietnam remains one of the most important destinations. One grower told FreshPlaza that the Vietnamese market eagerly anticipates the arrival of his cherries each year.
The season has now ended in both countries, but with opposite results. Australian growers were satisfied with the crop and strong Asian demand. In New Zealand, by contrast, adverse weather compromised production. One operator told FreshPlaza that three neighbouring farms had ceased trading.
Australia continues to target premium segments, focusing on quality rather than large volumes. The industry’s reputation, built on high-quality fruit and strict production standards, remains a key advantage.
At the same time, concern is growing over the misappropriation of intellectual property, known as “IP squatting”, and over the need to ensure full product traceability throughout the supply chain.
The 2025/26 season highlighted a structural change for Chile’s cherry industry. China is no longer able to absorb the same volumes at the profitable prices seen in the past, making broader market diversification essential.
China’s share of Chilean cherry exports fell from 91% to 87%. As a result, the sector is showing growing interest in North America and Europe.
Fruit size and quality on arrival have become decisive in price formation. Growers and exporters will therefore need to address weaknesses in pre-shipment product management and improve post-harvest operations.
The climate phenomenon known as “Godzilla El Niño” is increasing uncertainty over production prospects. Meanwhile, advances paid by Chinese buyers have fallen from around €13.20 to €8.80-10.50 per box, calculated using the current euro exchange rate. The decline has already prompted some operators to leave the industry.
During the season, Chile exported around 570,000 tonnes of cherries. For the 2026/27 season, export volumes are forecast to increase by between 10% and 15%, supported by the introduction of new varieties, technological innovation and growing automation.
In week 27, prices for cherries from Washington State fell by approximately 30-40% compared with the previous seven days.
The prevailing price on the Chinese market currently stands at around €45 per box, while higher-quality lots are selling for more than €47.
Price differences between varieties have gradually narrowed. Quality is now the main point of differentiation and continues to vary considerably depending on the brand and shipment lot.
According to some traders, Washington cherries have recorded some of their lowest prices in recent years. Both fruit quality and overall market demand have fallen below expectations.
The post-holiday slowdown in consumption also contributed to the decline, together with a reduction in the number of operators active in trading.
The 2026 season confirms that higher production does not automatically translate into greater profitability. In Europe, abundant crops are intensifying competition and putting prices under pressure, while heat, hail and storms continue to affect quality and actual marketable yields.
Outside Europe, different strategies are emerging. South Africa is expanding its planted area and markets, Australia is strengthening its premium positioning, and Chile is accelerating diversification to reduce its dependence on China.
In this context, quality on arrival, fruit size, traceability, post-harvest management and the ability to plan commercial windows will become increasingly decisive. For the global cherry supply chain, the challenge will not simply be to produce more, but to place the right product in the right market at the right time.
Source: freshplaza.it
Image source: Stefano Lugli
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