Belgium: Market for Cherries and Sour Cherries 2025

Market Size for Cherries and Sour Cherries in Belgium

The Belgian cherry and sour cherry market contracted sharply to $X in 2022, declining by -46.1% against the previous year. Over the period under review, consumption recorded a deep downturn. Cherry and sour cherry consumption peaked at $X in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, consumption remained at a lower figure.

Production of Cherries and Sour Cherries in Belgium

In value terms, cherry and sour cherry production expanded sharply to $X in 2022 estimated in export price. In general, the total production indicated a measured expansion from 2012 to 2022: its value increased at an average annual rate of +4.8% over the last decade. The trend pattern, however, indicated some noticeable fluctuations being recorded throughout the analyzed period. Based on 2022 figures, production decreased by -8.1% against 2020 indices. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2013 when the production volume increased by 81%. As a result, production reached the peak level of $X. From 2014 to 2022, production growth remained at a lower figure.

The average yield of cherries and sour cherries in Belgium soared to X tons per ha in 2022, picking up by 48% on the previous year. Over the period under review, the yield enjoyed a perceptible increase. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2018 with an increase of 83% against the previous year. The cherry and sour cherry yield peaked at X tons per ha in 2014; however, from 2015 to 2022, the yield failed to regain momentum. Despite the increased use of modern agricultural techniques and methods, future yield figures may still be impacted by adverse weather conditions.

In 2022, the total area harvested in terms of cherries and sour cherries production in Belgium declined modestly to X ha, flattening at 2021 figures. Overall, the harvested area, however, recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2014 when the harvested area increased by 18%. Over the period under review, the harvested area dedicated to cherry and sour cherry production reached the peak figure at X ha in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, the harvested area remained at a lower figure.

Exports of Cherries and Sour Cherries

Exports from Belgium

In 2022, shipments abroad of cherries and sour cherries was finally on the rise to reach X tons after two years of decline. In general, exports recorded a temperate expansion. Over the period under review, the exports reached the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cherry and sour cherry exports skyrocketed to $X in 2022. Overall, exports enjoyed a strong increase. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2019 when exports increased by 106%. Over the period under review, the exports hit record highs in 2022 and are likely to continue growth in the near future.

Exports by Country

France (X tons), the Netherlands (X tons) and Germany (X tons) were the main destinations of cherry and sour cherry exports from Belgium, with a combined 88% share of total exports. Spain, Luxembourg, Italy, Russia and Finland lagged somewhat behind, together accounting for a further 9%.

From 2012 to 2022, the biggest increases were recorded for Italy (with a CAGR of +30.4%), while shipments for the other leaders experienced more modest paces of growth.

In value terms, France ($X) remains the key foreign market for cherries and sour cherries exports from Belgium, comprising 64% of total exports. The second position in the ranking was held by the Netherlands ($X), with a 19% share of total exports. It was followed by Germany, with a 4.6% share.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual growth rate of value to France stood at +19.1%. Exports to the other major destinations recorded the following average annual rates of exports growth: the Netherlands (-3.2% per year) and Germany (+7.9% per year).

Export Prices by Country

The average cherry and sour cherry export price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -25.2% against the previous year. Overall, the export price, however, showed a relatively flat trend pattern. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2020 when the average export price increased by 46%. The export price peaked at $X per ton in 2021, and then reduced notably in the following year.

There were significant differences in the average prices for the major export markets. In 2022, amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was Russia ($X per ton), while the average price for exports to the Netherlands ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was recorded for supplies to Russia (+13.9%), while the prices for the other major destinations experienced mixed trend patterns.

Imports of Cherries and Sour Cherries

Imports into Belgium

In 2022, cherry and sour cherry imports into Belgium fell remarkably to X tons, shrinking by -25% on the year before. Over the period under review, imports recorded a abrupt descent. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2021 when imports increased by 40%. Over the period under review, imports reached the peak figure at X tons in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, imports failed to regain momentum.

In value terms, cherry and sour cherry imports fell significantly to $X in 2022. Overall, imports showed a drastic downturn. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2021 when imports increased by 32% against the previous year. Imports peaked at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

Spain (X tons), France (X tons) and the Czech Republic (X tons) were the main suppliers of cherry and sour cherry imports to Belgium, together accounting for 83% of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of purchases, amongst the main suppliers, was attained by France (with a CAGR of +7.9%), while imports for the other leaders experienced a decline.

In value terms, the largest cherry and sour cherry suppliers to Belgium were France ($X), Spain ($X) and the Netherlands ($X), together accounting for 93% of total imports.

In terms of the main suppliers, France, with a CAGR of +7.9%, saw the highest rates of growth with regard to the value of imports, over the period under review, while purchases for the other leaders experienced a decline.

Import Prices by Country

The average cherry and sour cherry import price stood at $X per ton in 2022, dropping by -4.8% against the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price saw a relatively flat trend pattern. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2018 when the average import price increased by 24% against the previous year. The import price peaked at $X per ton in 2020; however, from 2021 to 2022, import prices stood at a somewhat lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major supplying countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was France ($X per ton), while the price for the Czech Republic ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Hungary (+9.9%), while the prices for the other major suppliers experienced more modest paces of growth.

Source: IndexBox Platform

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