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

25 Jun 2025
447

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

Multifunctional covers are key tools for cherry orchard sustainability

Covers

01 May 2023

The adoption of multi-functional covers in orchard systems is widely increasing due to their protective function against biotic and abiotic stressors.

Understanding sweet cherry water needs through sap flow measurements

Tech management

05 Sep 2024

A study conducted near the city of Ficksburg, South Africa, from September 2017 to December 2018 highlighted the sweet cherry tree's sensitivity to soil moisture levels, especially during critical growth stages, where water stress can significantly impact the yield.

In evidenza

Kent cherries enjoy record season thanks to climate and innovation

Production

16 Jul 2025

In Kent, the 2025 cherry season reaches record levels thanks to innovative varieties, post-harvest technologies and ideal climate conditions. UK producers estimate 8,000 tonnes of cherries—four times the 2018 crop and 14 times higher than the yield recorded in 2015.

How temperature affects sweet cherry storage and quality: a China–USA research study

Post-harvest​

16 Jul 2025

A scientific study by China and USA researchers analyzes how storage temperature affects sweet cherry quality. Indicators like anthocyanins, acidity, malondialdehyde, and weight loss help model shelf life and reduce postharvest losses in cherry production.

Tag Popolari