Sweet cherries: German season kicks off with early harvests and limited supply

25 Jun 2025
3562

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.

First harvests between direct sales and wholesale markets

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.

Underwhelming European supply: Turkey and Southern Europe struggling

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 

How will the season develop?

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


Cherry Times – All rights reserved

What to read next

An Italy-wide analysis of the costs and problems of modern cherry production

Tech management

04 Aug 2023

Today cherry cultivation involves densities of up to a few thousand plants/ha. Intensification tends to result in earlier entry into production and improved fruit quality, but this is counterbalanced by higher planting costs and a shorter productive life of the plants.

Chilean leadership in the export market: from 2022 cherries are the main produce of the Chilean offer

Markets

23 Aug 2023

ProChile released its "Export Leadership Chile 2022" report, . This report delves into the performance exports and where it has maintained its leadership. In 2022, Chile exported goods worth $43.47 billion, a notable 14.9% increase compared to the previous year.

In evidenza

At the end of September, Argentina will kick off the new cherry season

Production

02 Sep 2026

Ultra-early cherry trees are blooming in Jujuy, where 2,000 low-chill plants could produce fruit by late September. Genetics, quality levels reaching 29° Brix and a strategic commercial window are opening new opportunities for Argentina's early-season cherry exports to global mar

Micropropagation techniques from Uzbekistan

Nurseries

02 Sep 2026

In Uzbekistan, research on sweet cherry micropropagation evaluates culture media and growth regulators for cultivars and rootstocks. DKW medium and specific combinations of BAP, meta-topolin, NAA and TDZ improve in vitro shoot proliferation, growth and propagation efficiency.

Tag Popolari