Uzbekistan opens cherry season with strong global demand

14 May 2025
616

The early 2025 harvest marks the beginning of large-scale exports from the Fergana region. Farmgate prices remain high thanks to strong international demand.

The cherry season in Uzbekistan has officially started on a high note: from the very beginning, interest from international markets has been strong, prompting local exporters to launch shipments quickly. Leading the operations is the Fergana region, the productive heart of a country that continues to play a key role on the global stage of the cherry sector.

Early exports and growing volumes

This year, the first small batches were shipped as early as the end of April, about a week ahead of 2024. However, it was in the last week that operations accelerated: according to EastFruit sources, Uzbek exporters have begun loading larger volumes, officially launching the mass export phase.

Dominating this initial phase of the season is the local “Bahor” variety (meaning “Spring”), an early-ripening cultivar prized for its flavor and mainly intended for export despite its smaller size.

Strong prices for medium calibers

The most in-demand commercial segment is currently cherries sized between 20 and 26 mm. These are exported under FCA (Free Carrier) terms at prices ranging from $3.20 to $4.20 per kilogram (approximately €2.95–€3.85), depending on size and fruit quality. These are attractive values that reflect the strong demand from foreign buyers already at the start of the season.

A consolidated role on the global market

Uzbekistan consistently ranks in the global top 10 for fresh cherry exports, with annual volumes ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 tonnes depending on weather conditions. According to the National Statistics Committee, in 2024 the country exported 32,200 tonnes of cherries, generating a revenue of $70.3 million (approximately €64.45 million).

Looking ahead

The early start and positive market response suggest a promising season for Uzbekistan’s cherry sector. With mid- and late-ripening varieties set to enter the market in the coming weeks, further export growth is expected, along with new opportunities to strengthen the country's presence in key markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

Source: east-fruit.com


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Sweet cherry and water stress: ecophysiological responses of three cultivars in North- Eastern Romania

Tech management

15 Apr 2025

A study in north-eastern Romania analyses the response of three sweet cherry cultivars to water stress under non-irrigated conditions. Evaluated stomatal conductance, leaf hydration and physiological adaptations for a more resilient cultivation to climate change.

Effect of multifunctional nets on high-density cherry crops

Covers

20 Jun 2023

At the IX International Cherry Symposium in Beijing there was much discussion on cherry covers and their impact on fruit growth and quality. Here a summary of the work presented by Andrea Giovannini and the Fruit Tree Ecophysiology group of DISTAL - University of Bologna.

In evidenza

Chilean cherry pickers reshape UK harvest with San Clemente's global model

Production

25 Aug 2025

Agrícola San Clemente expands its footprint in the UK with 120 skilled Chilean cherry pickers. Their precision and technical expertise boost cherry harvest quality in Kent, combining local production with global know-how in a model praised by British growers.

Nostalgia effect drives sales: boom for fresh cherries on Ocado

Markets

25 Aug 2025

Cherry flavour conquers Ocado: sales up 150% and searches up 72%. The 'retro' trend is also driving fresh fruit, favoured by a hot summer that brought excellent harvests of cherries, apricots, strawberries and new varieties such as plums and greengages.

Tag Popolari