Fresh cherries in Japan: declining production and new trends for 2025/26

08 Sep 2025
1144

The iconic summer fruit faces a double challenge: a shortage of local supply and changing consumption patterns, especially among younger generations.

Fresh cherries have long represented a symbol of Japanese summer, appreciated both in domestic production and among imported varieties. However, in the past two years, the sector has experienced a significant downsizing, with a sharp decline in national production affecting the entire supply chain.

According to the annual report of the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), total consumption of fresh cherries in Japan dropped to 16,254 tons in the 2024/25 season, marking a 22.4% decrease compared to the previous year.

A moderate recovery

Forecasts for the 2025/26 season suggest a slight rebound: consumption is expected to rise to 16,800 tons, driven by a small increase in domestic production and stable import flows. Nevertheless, levels remain below historical averages, confirming a transitional phase for the Japanese cherry market.

Furusato Nozei and the symbolic value of “premium” cherries

A key aspect of Japanese cherry consumption is the Furusato Nozei tax program, which allows citizens to receive tax benefits in exchange for donations to local municipalities. In return, donors receive local specialty products as gifts — among the most sought-after are high-quality cherries. However, reduced availability has created difficulties for many municipalities, which report increasing shortages in supply.

Between processing and change

Cherries that do not meet the quality standards required for the fresh market are used for industrial processing — particularly for syrup and jam production — representing less than 10% of the total volume.

Traditionally displayed at the entrances of stores to attract customers and offered as prestigious summer gifts, cherries are losing appeal among younger generations. There is a noticeable decline in both the value and volume of summer gifts, signaling a cultural shift in seasonal consumption.

A look to the future

The sector must face the challenge of renewal, focusing on strategies to enhance local varieties, explore new promotional channels, and offer products that resonate with the tastes and habits of new generations. In a context of uncertain production and evolving consumption, the future of cherries in Japan lies between tradition and innovation.

Source: portalfruticola.com

Image source: Klooc


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Tomra Food and Icoel together represent over 60% of the Italian market

Post-harvest​

14 Jul 2023

In November 2022, TOMRA Food and ICOEL S.r.l. reached an agreement that defines ICOEL as TOMRA Food's integrated business partner for Europe and preferred partner for cherry technologies in Latin America.

Carbon dioxide and low temperatures to control Drosophila suzukii in post-harvest

Post-harvest​

19 Mar 2025

Orchards, vineyards, and, in general, all plants that produce fleshy fruits with thin skin are subject to attacks by the fruit fly Drosophila suzukii (also known in English as spotted wing drosophila, SWD), with a significant negative economic impact.

In evidenza

Jujuy leads the way: South America's first fresh cherries harvested in September

Production

07 Oct 2025

On September 30, the first fresh cherries of the season were harvested in Jujuy, Argentina. This historic milestone opens a new production window for export, thanks to advanced agronomic practices, ultra-early cherry varieties, and unique microclimate and ideal local conditions.

Corette rootstocks: the new frontier of modern high-density cherry growing

Rootstocks

07 Oct 2025

The new Corette rootstock series is reshaping cherry cultivation: rusticity, heat and drought resistance, and adaptability to high-density orchards. Cass, Crawford, and Lake offer earliness, fruit quality, yield, and sustainability for a truly competitive cherry future.

Tag Popolari