Turkey is expected to record an increase in cherry exports this year, thanks to high yield expectations in a country that produces around 700,000 tonnes of cherries per year.
According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Western Mediterranean region remains the main hub for cherry production and export in Turkey.
Mehmet Ali Can, head of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB), said that the harvest season, which typically runs from late May to late July, started later than usual this year due to climatic factors. He added that the season is now expected to continue until the end of August.
Can noted that Turkey is the world’s largest producer of cherries, with annual production of around 700,000 tonnes, while exports stand between 60,000 and 70,000 tonnes. He added that this year’s harvest appears to be abundant.
Recalling the severe agricultural frosts that caused significant losses last year, Can said that this year’s excellent harvest has brought relief to both producers and exporters. Can expressed hope that cherry exports could reach a record level this year.
He also stated that Turkey recorded cherry exports worth 210 million dollars (around 194 million euros) in 2024, of which 91 million (around 84 million euros) came from the Western Mediterranean region. The previous year, exports amounted to 48 million dollars (around 44 million euros), of which 22 million (around 20 million euros) came from the same region.
He said that Europe and Russia remain the main markets. He added that Turkey also exports cherries to Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai, as well as several countries in the Far East and the Middle East. He also noted that initiatives have been launched to expand exports to China.
Source: Daily News
Image source: Stefano Lugli
14 Apr 2025
With 13,253 cultivated hectares and 41% of national production, Aragon is the leading cherry-growing region in Spain. From variety to quality, up to exports to Europe and Asia, discover all the numbers and projects to enhance the sector.
25 Dec 2023
In this year's finale, the Cherry Times team would like to express its gratitude to all readers who have chosen us as their preferred source of information to understand and delve into the wonderful world revolving around the fruit of paradise: the cherry.
16 Oct 2026
Rain in Chile threatens cherry quality as harvest approaches. The article outlines strategies to prevent fruit cracking and manage Botrytis, covering protective biofilms, chloride applications, irrigation management and timely treatments during ripening and harvest.
16 Oct 2026
Ciliegia delle Colline Veronesi moves towards PGI status after a successful public hearing on its production rules. The area spans 54 municipalities, over 1,200 hectares and more than 2,300 farms. Next come national procedures and EU scrutiny to protect local producers.
