With the beginning of June, Germany has officially kicked off the sweet cherry season. Early varieties such as "Burlat" and "Bellise" are already available on the markets, coming mainly from the country's earliest production areas.
In northern and western Germany, the color change in tunnel-grown fruits is now imminent. However, the early harvested quantities remain limited and are currently not sufficient to meet the needs of large retail chains.
The first German cherries are therefore mainly intended for direct sales and wholesale markets. Despite the limited volumes, prices remain fairly stable.
Across Europe, supplies from Spain, Italy, and Greece are slowly increasing but remain lower than in previous years. Supply from Turkey also appears reduced, and the prices requested by suppliers remain high.
The majority of the available volumes are absorbed directly by supermarkets and discount stores, leaving little room for other channels.
In calendar week 23, according to AMI data, promotional activities in German retail stores numbered only 19, compared to 29 in previous years. Promotional prices range between €7.90 and €9.97 per kilo.
However, it is expected that in the coming weeks, retail chains will increase their promotional campaigns, further stimulating demand.
Figure 1. Fewer promotions compared to previous years. Promotional initiatives for sweet cherries in German food retail. Source: AMI promotional prices in food retail (LEH) © AMI 2025/OG-MW-1127 | AMI-informiert.de
With availability still fragmented but growing, and demand showing signs of awakening, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining the overall trend of the sweet cherry season in Germany and Europe.
The spotlight remains on the balance between supply and price, a key factor for the commercial success of the sector this year.
Source: ami-informiert.de
Header image source: SL Fruit Service
15 Jan 2025
The cherry, considered a gift among family and friends as a good omen for prosperity and health, is being sold for up to 50 per cent less than last season's prices, and there have been price drops even in the most sought-after varieties.
01 Oct 2025
Alternaria alternata is rapidly spreading in sweet cherries from Haidian district, Beijing. The study highlights severe rot, toxin production, and urgent need for effective post-harvest strategies and fast monitoring to ensure food safety across the cherry supply chain.
10 Feb 2026
Climate change is reducing cherry volumes in Chile, pushing growers and researchers to rethink varieties, orchard management and postharvest strategies. New predictive models aim to safeguard quality and exports to the Chinese market worldwide globally.
10 Feb 2026
Low temperature storage extends the shelf life of sweet cherries but may induce pulp lignification. A study on the Meizao cultivar examines structural, biochemical and molecular changes affecting fruit firmness, texture, quality and consumer acceptance during post-harvest storage
