In the same period of 2025, the country earned $47.7 million from 6,040 tons, meaning this year’s figures represent an 11-fold increase in volume and a fourfold rise in foreign exchange earnings.
Cengiz Balik, head of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association, says Türkiye ranks first in the world in cherry production and among the top three or four countries in exports. He attributes last year’s weak performance to frost damage during the flowering period, which caused a sharp decline in both production and exports in 2025.
“In the remaining period of 2026, we generated $235 million in foreign exchange revenue from cherry exports exceeding 68,000 tons,” Balik says. “Compared with the same period last year, we recorded an approximately 11-fold increase in export volume and a fourfold increase in export value.”
Along with higher volumes, Türkiye also expanded the number of markets it supplies. The country shipped cherries to 34 countries in 2025, and that figure rises to 52 this year. Germany is the top destination at $74 million, followed by Russia at $67.5 million, Poland at $29 million, and Iraq at $26.5 million.
Balik says the sector is targeting $250 million in cherry export revenue for 2027, provided no adverse climate conditions occur.
Source: Fresh Plaza
