Drop in Europe’s cherry crop in 2019/20

In contrast with other stone fruits, EU cherry production is expected to drop in 2019/20. According to FAS Post data, the output volume will be down 18% to 682,000 tons due to unfavourable weather conditions during flowering and ripening. Total EU cherry planted area is expected to remain stable at around 160,000 ha. The consequence of lower production is a likely drop in consumption of fresh cherries, with the total volume consumer expected to reach around 421,000 tons. Similarly, consumption of cherries for processing should plummet 20% to 293,000 tons as a result of a smaller crop in Poland, the EU’s largest cherry processor.

The EU is a net importer of cherries, with the main source being Turkey and imports are expected to increase in 2019/20 on the back of the smaller European crop.