Benelux: Sour Cherry Market 2025

Sour Cherry Market Size in Benelux

In 2022, the Benelux sour cherry market increased by 29% to $X for the first time since 2019, thus ending a two-year declining trend. Over the period under review, consumption showed strong growth. The level of consumption peaked in 2022 and is expected to retain growth in the immediate term.

Sour Cherry Production in Benelux

In value terms, sour cherry production stood at $X in 2022 estimated in export price. Overall, production posted prominent growth. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 when the production volume increased by 136,471,300% against the previous year. The level of production peaked at $X in 2018; however, from 2019 to 2022, production remained at a lower figure.

The Netherlands (X tons) constituted the country with the largest volume of sour cherry production, comprising approx. 85% of total volume. Moreover, sour cherry production in the Netherlands exceeded the figures recorded by the second-largest producer, Belgium (X tons), sixfold.

In the Netherlands, sour cherry production increased at an average annual rate of +10.3% over the period from 2012-2022.

Sour Cherry Exports

Exports in Benelux

In 2022, overseas shipments of sour cherries decreased by -12.6% to X tons, falling for the third consecutive year after three years of growth. In general, exports showed a abrupt slump. The growth pace was the most rapid in 2017 with an increase of 102%. Over the period under review, the exports attained the maximum at X tons in 2019; however, from 2020 to 2022, the exports stood at a somewhat lower figure.

In value terms, sour cherry exports shrank remarkably to $X in 2022. Overall, exports continue to indicate a sharp descent. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2017 with an increase of 46%. The level of export peaked at $X in 2013; however, from 2014 to 2022, the exports failed to regain momentum.

Exports by Country

In 2022, Belgium (X tons) represented the key exporter of sour cherries, making up 88% of total exports. It was distantly followed by the Netherlands (X tons), generating a 12% share of total exports.

Belgium was also the fastest-growing in terms of the sour cherries exports, with a CAGR of -6.9% from 2012 to 2022. The Netherlands (-30.8%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of Belgium (+60 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total exports from 2012-2022, the share of the Netherlands (-60.4 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics.

In value terms, the largest sour cherry supplying countries in Benelux were Belgium ($X) and the Netherlands ($X).

Among the main exporting countries, Belgium, with a CAGR of -6.9%, saw the highest growth rate of the value of exports, over the period under review.

Export Prices by Country

The export price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2022, falling by -34.8% against the previous year. Overall, the export price recorded a abrupt shrinkage. The pace of growth appeared the most rapid in 2021 an increase of 76%. The level of export peaked at $X per ton in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, the export prices failed to regain momentum.

Prices varied noticeably by country of origin: amid the top suppliers, the country with the highest price was the Netherlands ($X per ton), while Belgium stood at $X per ton.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (+0.1%).

Sour Cherry Imports

Imports in Benelux

In 2022, supplies from abroad of sour cherries decreased by -25.4% to X tons for the first time since 2017, thus ending a four-year rising trend. Over the period under review, imports recorded a relatively flat trend pattern. The pace of growth was the most pronounced in 2016 with an increase of 107% against the previous year. The volume of import peaked at X tons in 2021, and then reduced markedly in the following year.

In value terms, sour cherry imports shrank rapidly to $X in 2022. In general, imports showed a perceptible decrease. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2016 when imports increased by 131%. Over the period under review, imports reached the maximum at $X in 2012; however, from 2013 to 2022, imports remained at a lower figure.

Imports by Country

In 2022, the Netherlands (X tons) represented the main importer of sour cherries, achieving 72% of total imports. It was distantly followed by Belgium (X tons), committing a 26% share of total imports. Luxembourg (X tons) followed a long way behind the leaders.

From 2012 to 2022, average annual rates of growth with regard to sour cherry imports into the Netherlands stood at +12.3%. At the same time, Luxembourg (+17.4%) displayed positive paces of growth. Moreover, Luxembourg emerged as the fastest-growing importer imported in Benelux, with a CAGR of +17.4% from 2012-2022. By contrast, Belgium (-11.1%) illustrated a downward trend over the same period. While the share of the Netherlands (+51 p.p.) increased significantly in terms of the total imports from 2012-2022, the share of Belgium (-52.6 p.p.) displayed negative dynamics. The shares of the other countries remained relatively stable throughout the analyzed period.

In value terms, the Netherlands ($X) constitutes the largest market for imported sour cherries in Benelux, comprising 83% of total imports. The second position in the ranking was taken by Belgium ($X), with a 13% share of total imports.

From 2012 to 2022, the average annual rate of growth in terms of value in the Netherlands was relatively modest. The remaining importing countries recorded the following average annual rates of imports growth: Belgium (-15.0% per year) and Luxembourg (+11.1% per year).

Import Prices by Country

The import price in Benelux stood at $X per ton in 2022, leveling off at the previous year. Over the period under review, the import price showed a noticeable decline. The most prominent rate of growth was recorded in 2014 an increase of 34% against the previous year. Over the period under review, import prices reached the maximum at $X per ton in 2017; however, from 2018 to 2022, import prices remained at a lower figure.

There were significant differences in the average prices amongst the major importing countries. In 2022, amid the top importers, the country with the highest price was Luxembourg ($X per ton), while Belgium ($X per ton) was amongst the lowest.

From 2012 to 2022, the most notable rate of growth in terms of prices was attained by Belgium (-4.4%), while the other leaders experienced a decline in the import price figures.

Source: IndexBox Platform