The 2026 cherry season is unfolding with larger harvests across much of Europe, improving fruit availability but also putting downward pressure on prices. After weather-related shortages in 2025, many producing countries are reporting stronger production, while increasing competition among exporters is reshaping the European market.
According to the latest FreshPlaza Global Market Overview, favourable growing conditions across the Northern Hemisphere have resulted in good yields in most producing regions. However, localised heatwaves, hailstorms and other weather events have still affected growers in some areas, while export performance continues to vary between markets.
Italy has seen wholesale cherry prices fall sharply compared with last year. Following the 2025 supply shortages, prices have dropped from €5–10/kg to approximately €2–5/kg. Early Bigarreau cherries suffered significant losses, while later varieties have performed well despite increasing competition from Turkey and Greece.
France also experienced price pressure after peak harvest volumes entered the market in June. Production is estimated at around 30,800 tonnes, slightly below last year due to hail damage, but still above the five-year average.
Germany expects one of its strongest harvests in the past decade, with production forecast at approximately 40,300 tonnes. Despite higher yields, growers face increased price competition, particularly from Turkish exporters.
Spain has dealt with heatwaves and storms that reduced the proportion of premium-quality fruit and lowered commercial yields for several varieties.
Turkey has completed a strong season with high production across all growing regions. Europe remains the country’s primary export destination, while demand from Asia has been weaker than expected. The abundant crop has helped maintain balanced export prices and strengthened Turkey’s competitiveness in European markets.
Outside Europe, Washington State in the United States expects a good harvest, whereas Michigan faces production losses of up to 50% due to late-spring frosts. South Africa continues expanding its cherry industry, recording a 111% increase in exports, while Chile is accelerating export diversification as Chinese demand weakens. At the same time, prices for imported U.S. cherries in China have fallen by 30–40% over the past week.
Although Serbia was not included in the FreshPlaza market overview, official data indicate that the country is recovering from a difficult 2025 season. Cherry production declined by 27% last year due to late spring frosts after unusually warm weather triggered early flowering. The Ministry of Agriculture expects a significant recovery in 2026 if no major weather events occur during the remainder of the growing season.
Overall, the global cherry market is entering a more competitive phase. Higher production is improving supply across Europe, but quality, efficient logistics and access to export markets will remain the key factors determining profitability for growers.
Sources: FreshPlaza – Global Market Overview: Cherries; Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management of the Republic of Serbia.
