European cherry prices fall amid strong harvests and supplier competition

European cherry markets are experiencing falling prices due to increased supply from key producing countries and strong competition among exporters, especially from Turkey, Greece, and Italy.

In Italy, wholesale cherry prices in week 26 of 2026 dropped significantly compared to last year, ranging from €2.0/kg for smaller fruit to €5.0/kg for larger sizes. This is a steep decline from 2025, when prices were between €5.0 and €10.0/kg because of shortages. The Italian harvest has been strong, particularly for the Ferrovia and Staccato varieties, but exports have been reduced since late June due to intense competition from Turkish and Greek cherries on the European market.

Ukraine also reported a high-yield cherry season in 2026, exceeding initial expectations. However, the abundant supply led to a sharp fall in farm-gate prices, with growers receiving UAH 40–60/kg, equivalent to approximately €0.9–1.4/kg. These prices are several times lower than last season, putting pressure on Ukrainian producers, but increasing the availability of competitively priced cherries across European markets.

Belgium’s cherry season has been marked by variable weather, including heavy rainfall, hail, and heatwaves. Despite these challenges, yields and fruit quality have generally been good. Belgian growers report large, firm cherries, and the Kordia harvest began earlier than usual. However, the warm summer conditions have increased consumption but also contributed to price pressure as supply remains high.

The Netherlands is also seeing excellent yields and good fruit size, though recent heat has affected demand. Dutch and Belgian cherries are available in a wide range of varieties, ensuring continuous supply to European buyers through July.

For importers in Poland, the influx of cherries from Italy, Greece, Turkey, Ukraine, and Belgium is resulting in lower wholesale prices and increased competition on the domestic market. Italian Ferrovia cherries are being supplied to retail chains in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Netherlands, and Belgium, further intensifying competition among suppliers in Central and Eastern Europe.

In China, demand for imported cherries has weakened, putting additional pressure on exporters in Europe and elsewhere to find alternative markets, which may further increase the supply available within Europe.

Material prepared by the editorial team of fresh-market.info, editor Artur Spiker