Türkiye is filled with optimism for a 2026 cherry season comeback

After a 2025 campaign severely affected by frosts that drastically slashed production, Türkiye’s cherry industry faces a more encouraging 2026 season, marked by expectations of recovery and renewed optimism for exports.

According to the Italian specialized media outlet Cherry Times, export sector representatives noted that the crop's development conditions are favorable. Producers expect a significant increase in volume compared to last season, when some areas reported losses of up to 90 percent due to late frosts.

Likewise, market intelligence platform Tridge said that harvest began in Türkiye's early-growing areas, such as the province of Manisa, where local authorities and industry stakeholders celebrated a favorable outlook for the season.

Turkish cherries are back

Supply recovery is also boosting export expectations. According to reports by Turkish Agri News, the industry aims to reach around $200 million in cherry exports in 2026, hoping to return to sales levels recorded before the 2025 frosts.

The outlet noted that Türkiye remains one of the main players in the global cherry market, thanks to both its production levels and widespread international presence, mainly in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

The Turkish Aegean region accounts for a significant share of the national volume, with an estimated annual production of 240,000 to 250,000 tons.

There are still some surprise factors

The recovery of Turkish production could affect the commercial dynamics of the Northern Hemisphere, especially in Europe, where the country continues to have a strategic position due to its geographical proximity and supply capacity during the summer season.

Greater availability of Turkish fruit could help normalize international supply, after a period marked by lower volumes and greater price volatility.

However, despite the positive outlook for the season, the industry remains cautious about the challenges posed by climate change. Spring frosts remain one of the main risks for cherry production in Türkiye, a situation that became evident during the 2025 campaign and will continue to be a determining factor for the sector's future performance.

*All images are referential. 

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