Cherry Exports Recover in 2025

Turkey's cherry exports showed strong recovery in 2026 following losses caused by climate crisis in 2025. During the period of 1 January–10 August 2026, 68,737 tons of cherries were exported, generating USD 235 million in foreign exchange.

In the same period of 2025, exports totalled USD 47.7 million from 6,040 tons. This represented an approximately 11-fold increase in export volume and a 4-fold increase in export revenue.

Cengiz Balık, Chair of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, noted that frost damage during the flowering period in 2025 had severely affected exports, while strong recovery was achieved in 2026. Balık stated that with exports exceeding 68,000 tons in the first seven months of the year, USD 235 million in revenue was generated, and they were targeting USD 250 million in exports for 2027 should climate conditions be favourable.

Export markets expanded from 34 to 52 countries
The increase in cherry exports was not limited to volume and value. The number of countries to which Turkey exported cherries rose from 34 in 2025 to 52 in 2026. Exports resumed or commenced for the first time to 21 markets, including Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, United Kingdom and Ireland.

Germany was Turkey's largest cherry market with USD 74 million, followed by Russian Federation with USD 67.5 million, Poland with USD 29 million and Iraq with USD 26.5 million in exports.

Target to grow in Far East markets
Drawing attention to the fact that the top four markets accounted for approximately 85 per cent of total exports, Cengiz Balık stated that efforts to maintain the strong position in existing markets would continue alongside market diversification work.

Balık expressed the goal of increasing awareness of Turkish cherries particularly in Far East markets, while noting that work was ongoing to open cherry exports to China.