The French cherry season began early at the end of April in the Roussillon and some areas of the Gard. On the 1st July annual production was estimated to increase by 6% compared to last year (which was amongst the lowest of the last decade).
The Minister of Agriculture has noted that the calibres of late varieties are high. However, the strong rainfall in May has led to some damage to Burlat cherries and has weakened their preservation. He says that “The quality of the fruits varies and requires significant sorting”. Quality was better at the end of May when the later varieties were harvested as they were firmer and of a higher calibre.
Demand wasn’t high enough in June to absorb the available volumes and many producers suspended harvest of early varieties due to low sales. Prices in May were 12% above the 2012-2016 average and in June were 19% below those recorded in 2016. National turnover decreased by 6% compared to the previous year over the first 2 months of the season.