On the 1st June 2015, cherry production decreased by 2% compared to 2013; i.e. 14% below the 5 year average. At the start of the season prices are slightly higher than the 2010-2014 average (2012 and 2013 were recorded as having the weakest productions in the last decade).
The first harvest of Burlat cherries began in the Rhone-Alpes (27% of national production) around the 20th May. Conditions were good for fruit setting, yet calibre is expected to be average and production heterogeneous. Flowering occurred under optimal conditions in April. Strong winds reduced damage from drosophila flies. In the PACA region, which represented 41% of national production in 2014, a -4% decrease in acreage was recorded. Wind led to some loss but harvest occurred under very favourable conditions and yield will be higher than last year. However, volume is expected to decrease in the Languedoc-Roussillon (11% of national production in 2014) where rain and strong wind reduced potential. Climate conditions had already been bad at flowering and rain and frost led to a 10 to 15 day delay in vegetation. Despite abundant flowering in the Midi-Pyrénées (9% of national production in 2014), burlat production is average; there is a lack of fruit but it is of good calibre. Production will have decreased by 5% in a year but drosophila fly has hardly been present.
Commercialisation of French cherries began mid-May, 15 days later than in 2014. Prices quickly decreased due to a relatively small demand and fruits being damaged by strong winds. Demand improved at the end of the month due to better weather conditions. Prices are on average 4% above the 2010-2014 average.
The 2014 season began in the Roussillon at the start of May. Competition from other regions and other seasonal fruits (mostly strawberries) effected the prices of fruits of smaller calibres. However, on average in May, prices were only -2% below the 2009-2013 average. In June demand plummeted due to an abundance of other stone fruits. Harvest slowed down and prices decreased -5% compared to the 2009-2013 average. Thanks to an abundant harvest which was 18% above the 2009-2013 average, the national turnover index for the 2014 season was 26% higher then the previous season, bringing the 5 year average up +18%.