"Along with avocados and grapes, cherries will be the next champion of Lebanese fruit exports, thanks to premium quality and a demanding market." So says Mirna Fadel, business development manager at Fadel Trading Company.
Mirna says, "Many markets know and appreciate Lebanese fruits, which are now being targeted by consumers. I tell them, if you liked Lebanese avocados and grapes, you will love Lebanese cherries! At Fadel, we have identified cherries as one of the main fruits in our catalog."
© Mirna Fadel
"We grow the most sought-after varieties on the European market, such as Lapin, Regina, Burlat, Skinna, and Ferrovia. Our grade 1 Lebanese cherries have all the sought-after attributes in the market: a size of up to 32, a beautiful color and dark skin, a pleasant eating experience combining firmness, crispiness, and a sweetness of 16 BRIX," Mirna continues.
In terms of markets, Mirna adds that Lebanese exporters have identified three main destinations: "Demand is potentially strong in Germany, Europe's leading fruit consumer, Netherlands, a hub for European imports and a channel for redistribution in the rest of the European markets, as well as the UK, a market in its own right since Brexit. These destinations will complement our existing markets in GCC countries, where our cherries are performing well. "
© Mirna Fadel
Beyond quality, the Lebanese origin can compete on the market thanks to its seasonality, according to the exporter. She explains, "We can compete both in the early and late season, with a campaign running from August to September, before the Spanish and Italian seasons. Our cherries will be among the first to arrive on the market, and also among the last."
The 2025 season was supposed to be one of commercial trials in Europe, but the adverse climate in Lebanon aborted Fadel's plans. Mirna says, "Volumes have been severely impacted this season, but we think this situation is extraordinary and extremely rare. However, we remain fully prepared for next season, on several levels: post-harvest operations, raising fruit growing and handling standards, mastering logistics via sea freight, as well as the certifications needed to penetrate the European market."
© Mirna Fadel
"At Fadel Trading Company, we currently have an export capacity of 200 tons of grade 1 cherries, sourced from growers we have contracted from different regions of Lebanon. We welcome European importers to the Lebanese pavilion of Fruit Logistica to discuss our programs for the coming season," Mirna concludes.
For more information:
Mirna Fadel
Fadel Trading Company
Tel: +961 708 703 00
Email: [email protected]
www.fadeltrading.com
