According to industry data reported by the United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service, from 2015 to 2024, between 54 and 77% of cherries consumed in Germany were imported, with volumes ranging between 51,000 and 75,000 metric tons annually. The majority of these were sweet cherries, which accounted for up to 81% of foreign purchases.

Turkey in Crisis and Spain Gains Ground in Cherries
Turkey has historically led exports to Germany, with a 36% share of the total market and a 46% share of sweet cherries during the 2024/25 season. However, late frosts in April halved production, which will lead to a substantial drop in shipments this season.

This gap is being partially offset by increased local German production and an increase in imports from Spain, which has established itself as the second-largest supplier.

For other suppliers, such as the United States, imports from the North American country remain low, although there are niche opportunities at the beginning and end of the local cycle (May/June and August/September). The second period is considered more favorable, given that there is less competition from low-priced Turkish cherries. In the 2023/24 season, Germany directly imported just three metric tons from the United States.

Seasonal Consumption and Trends
In Germany, cherries are a seasonal product, with 92.5% of domestic purchases concentrated in June and July. Per capita cherry consumption reaches 2.2 kilos, below peaches (2.8 kilos) but more than double that of plums (1 kilo).

Sweet cherries have gained popularity as a healthy snack, while sour cherries are losing ground: 87% of their national production is destined for processing (preserves, frozen foods, and juices).

German consumers show a clear preference for larger sizes: in July 2025, the wholesale price for sweet cherries over 26 mm reached €6.53/kg, compared to €4.19/kg for smaller sizes.

Source: Portal Frutícola