Cherry consumption in the European Union grows 4.5% to reach its highest level in a decade

Smartcherry Admin

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Cherry consumption in the European Union grows 4.5% to reach its highest level in a decade

December 11, 2025

Cherry consumption in the European Union saw further growth in 2024, reaching 629,000 tons, a 4.5% increase compared to 2023.

This growth was also reflected in the market size, which reached US$2.5 billion, 5.5% more than the previous year, according to the analysis platform IndexBox and its report “EU – Cherries – Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights”.

Italy, Poland, and Spain lead consumption
According to the report, Italy (112,000 tons), Poland (80,000 tons), and Spain (80,000 tons) were the markets with the highest consumption volumes, collectively representing 43% of the European total. Greece, Germany, Bulgaria, Romania, and France also contributed another 43% of consumption.

In per capita terms, the largest consumers in 2024 were Bulgaria with 7.4 kg per person, Greece with 6.8 kg, and Poland with 2.1 kg.

Imports reach record highs and continue to expand
European Union cherry imports reached 162,000 tons in 2024, representing a 6.5% year-on-year increase. Between 2013 and 2024, external purchases grew at an average rate of 5.3% annually, with significant fluctuations throughout the period.

Compared to 2022, imports increased by 36.4%, while 2023 stood out as the year with the highest growth (28%). All indications suggest that this upward trend will continue.

The main importers in 2024 were Germany with 39,000 tons (24%), Austria with 32,000 tons (20%), and Italy with 18,000 tons (11%). The Netherlands, France, Poland, and Portugal completed another significant group, while Bulgaria, Romania, and Belgium accounted for the remaining 9.7%. Poland was the country with the strongest growth over the last decade (CAGR +21.8%).

European exports remain strong
European Union cherry exports totaled 120,000 tons in 2024, a 2.5% increase compared to 2023. Although growth has been moderate (CAGR +2.1% between 2013 and 2024), the volume has remained stable after reaching a record high of 121,000 tons in 2021.

In this case, the list of leading exporters is headed by Spain with 35,000 tons, followed by Greece with 28,000 tons and Austria with 25,000 tons. These three countries accounted for 73% of shipments. Austria was the most dynamic market between 2013 and 2024, with a compound annual growth rate of +16.9%.

In terms of value, Spain led with US$141 million, followed by Austria with US$105 million and Greece with US$85 million. Austria also stood out for its strong growth in value (CAGR +16.5%).