The harvest of mid-late cherry varieties has begun in Moldova, with overall fruit quality rated above average. This has helped maintain strong export activity, stabilizing prices at a relatively high level, according to Logos Press.
The varieties now being picked include Lapins, Big Star, Kordia, and Krupnoplodnaya. According to EastFruit market monitoring, the decline in wholesale cherry prices observed in early June has come to a halt. Last week, average wholesale prices in Moldova held steady at around 40 MDL/kg ($2.33/kg), the lowest average in EastFruit's European monitoring zone. For comparison, average wholesale prices currently stand at $2.70/kg in Poland, $3.19/kg in Russia, and $4.08/kg in Ukraine.
Romania remains a key destination for Moldovan cherries. According to exporters, the wholesale prices in Romania are 1.5 to 2 times higher than those in Moldova, and the retail prices are up to four times higher, which encourages exports across the border. However, the highest-quality produce is shipped further afield, to Germany and the Baltic countries.
Despite the positive market conditions, risks remain. Recent rainfall has so far not caused "cracking", a common issue where cherries split open, mainly because the showers were brief and accompanied by wind, which helped keep the fruit dry. But ongoing precipitation could still damage the crop, potentially reducing both quality and export volumes. A similar situation is already unfolding in Ukraine.
Source: logos-pres.md