At the German wholesale markets the cherries sales are dominated by the German cherry. Of the traded cherries 37.5 percent originates from German cultivation. Closely followed by Turkish cherries, with a market share of 30%. These numbers can be found in the BLE market newsletter of week 28. Third forth and fifth place are respectively Greece (10.8%), Spain (6.5%), Italy (5.9%). Compared to last week the supply from Spain France and Italy decreased sharply.
Market share large cherries © BLE
While Germany supplied a range of varieties, Carmen, Regina, Schneiders Späte Knorpel and Haumüller, supplied Turkey only Napoleon cherries. The average price of the large German cherries was about € 3.82 per kilo in week 28. In the previous week the average price was € 4.16 (-8.3%). Traders asked about € 2.92 for the smaller cherry varieties and cherries from other countries had to deal with price reductions too.
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Average price of larger varieties © BLE
Quality problems were the main reason for price reductions. The cherries were often too soft and the colours and condition were imperfect. And in addition the smaller fruit and the returns form the supermarket had a negative impact on the sales and the demand.
A total of 39,571 metric tons were cultivated on 5,132 hectares and harvested in 2014. On average a result of 7620 kg per hectare. In the current season (2015) 33,119 metric tons cherries are harvested from an area of 5,183 hectares, a result of 6390 kg per hectares. Of all the German states Baden-Wurttemberg is the largest producer of cherries. In 2014 20,140 metric tons of cherries were harvest in Baden-Wurttemberg.
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German import of sweet cherries, 2010-2014 © BLE
Considering the quantities of cherries imported last year the largest importing countries are: Turkey (15,529 metric tons), Spain (6,198 metric tons) and Italy (5,912 metric tons). 33,618 metric tons of cherries were imported by Germany in 2014.
For more information please check: BLE Marktbericht KW 28/15
Source: BLE