"As of June 1st, 2024, this year's French cherry production is estimated at 37,000 tons, which is 10% more than in 2023, despite the bad weather in May. All French regions will be affected by this increase. The start of the marketing year is comparable to last year's. The bad weather has reduced the supply on the market, and prices remain high, above the five-year average," according to Agreste.
Production on the rise in all regions
"In Occitania, the bad weather in May affected fruit quality and led to a halt in the harvesting of early varieties, which were affected the most. Nevertheless, production is expected to be higher than last year (+12%). In Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, the bad weather in May also caused damage to cherries (split fruit, lack of firmness), forcing growers to make major sorting operations in order to market the fruit. The load on the trees is satisfactory, especially for the late firm-fleshed varieties, and the total production is expected to be 10% higher than last year. In Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur, despite some losses due to the bad weather in May, volumes are expected to be 9% higher than last year.
High prices and low supply at the start of the campaign
In May 2024, cherry prices were stable compared to last year, and 6% higher than the five-year average. This level is in line with the shortage of supply at the start of the season. Bad weather slowed the start of the campaign and forced sorting, reducing the volumes of early varieties. The demand was also penalized by the weather and the high retail prices for early cherries. According to market data from St-Charles, volumes from Spain are reduced by half compared to last year, and in line with the average of the last 5 years."
Source: Agreste
Photo: Dreamstime