The Moissac cherry is one of the fruits that gives the Tarn region in France it’s reputation as a fruit growing area. Professionals at the beginning of June thought that “this year, the harvest would be perfect”. But storms in mid June affected the quality of some cherry varieties. Drought which followed the rain increased the possible loss of fruit.
Despite some of the production being exported (about 10% to Germany, Belgium and Switzerland), most of it will be sold in local markets (about 25% in large retail stores- a figure that is decreasing in favour of local market sales). Moissac cherry production in 2014 represented 15% of French production.
Prices dropped quite low at the start of June and have not increased, or at least have not increased as much as producers would have hoped. Large retailers have favoured Moissac cherries, but there is strong competition from Greek and Spanish cherries sold at unbeatable prices.
4,000 tons of cherries are produced in the Tarn and Garonne annually. A large part of these cherries will not be used for direct consumption but, for example, for making jams (e.g. griottes which are an acidic variety). France is Europe’s second largest cherry producer behind Spain.