According to data from the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the Western Mediterranean region remains the country’s main cherry production and export area.
Mehmet Ali Can, president of the Western Mediterranean Exporters Association (BAİB), said the harvest season started later than usual due to weather conditions. Although it normally runs from late May to late July, this year the season is expected to continue until the end of August.
Higher production after frost damage
Turkey produces around 700,000 tonnes of cherries per year, making it the world’s largest producer of this fruit. Its export volumes usually range between 60,000 and 70,000 tonnes per season.
According to Can, harvest volumes are higher this year after the losses caused by severe agricultural frost in the previous campaign. This recovery in production is expected to support an increase in exports during the current season.
Europe and Russia remain the main destinations
In 2024, Turkey exported cherries worth $210 million, of which $91 million came from the Western Mediterranean region. In the previous year, cherry exports reached $48 million, with $22 million originating from the same region.
Europe and Russia remain the main destinations for Turkish cherries. The country also exports to markets such as Singapore, Malaysia, Dubai and other destinations in the Far East and the Middle East.
China, a new commercial target
The Turkish sector is also working to expand cherry exports to China, a market regarded as strategic due to its growth potential and demand for quality fruit.
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With greater product availability and a longer season than usual, Turkey aims to strengthen its presence in international markets and take advantage of strong external demand for cherries.
