Fresh Cherries Market Size, Share, and Industry Analysis By Type (Sour and Sweet), Analysis by Application (Direct Consumption, Bakery Products, Jams and Jellies, Ice Cream, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

The global fresh cherries market is expected to grow significantly over the coming years, fueled by various factors such as rising disposable income, urbanization, and increasing awareness of the fruit’s health benefits. With consumers becoming more health-conscious and looking for better food options, the demand for fresh fruit is increasing worldwide. Fresh cherries are known to be an excellent source of antioxidants, which makes them a popular choice for consumers. According to the National Library of Medicine, cherries are a rich source of vitamin C and polyphenols and have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Therefore, as cherries possess high nutritional value and several health benefits, they are regarded as superfoods.

Moreover, rising disposable incomes in the U.S. and Canada, as well as in developing economies such as Asia Pacific, lead to the increased spending on fresh produce, including cherries. This growing purchasing power propelled manufacturers to expand their cherry production to meet the rising demand.

• For instance, in March 2023, Superfresh Growers, one of the largest growers and shippers of apples, pears, cherries and other fruits, invested in a state-of-the-art packing line that would enable it to expand its sweet cherry production by 30%.

Key Insights

The report covers the following key insights:

• Overview of the Fresh Cherries Market


• Market Dynamics


• Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Global Fresh Cherries Market


• Key Developments

Segmentation

Analysis by Type

The sweet cherry segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Consumer preference heavily leans toward the sweet flavor profile of sweet cherries compared to sour cherries. Sweet cherries are mainly consumed fresh and are popular for their organoleptic aspects, such as texture, taste, and colour. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), in 2022, the total production of sweet cherries was 275,000 tons, with Washington, California, and Oregon being the main sweet cherry-producing states.

The sour cherry segment is expected to experience steady growth over the forecast period. Sour cherry is the key ingredient in various food applications such as chocolates, bakery products, ice creams, and others. Sour cherries also have a dedicated consumer base that appreciates their unique flavour in pies, jams, and other beverages, contributing to the growth of the segment.

Analysis by Application

The direct consumption segment is expected to hold a major share of the global market. Consumers primarily enjoy fresh cherries through direct consumption, meaning that they are eaten as a stand-alone snack or enjoyed fresh in various dishes. Fresh cherries offer convenience as they are readily edible without requiring further processing, making them a popular choice for on-the-go snacking. Additionally, their versatility allows them to be incorporated into various salads and smoothie bowls, further increasing their appeal for direct consumption.

The bakery products segment is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. Consumers are increasingly willing to pay a premium for high-quality and fresh ingredients in bakery products. This trend fuels the demand for fresh cherries as an appealing and flavorful addition to cakes, pastries, and other baked goods.

The jams and jellies segment is expected to experience steady growth over the forecast period. Cherries are commonly used in the products of jams and jellies as they offer natural color and flavor, and help cater to consumers seeking high-quality artisanal jams.

Analysis by Region

Asia Pacific is expected to hold a major share of the global fresh cherries market. Rapid urbanization in countries such as China and India has led to increased demand for fresh fruits, such as cherries, as people shift toward more urban lifestyles and associated food consumption patterns. China is known to be the major consumer of fresh cherries. According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), in 2021, China imported USD 2.66 billion worth of fresh cherries. Cherries in China are seen as a symbol of wealth and prosperity, especially during the Chinese New Year gifting season. This cultural association greatly boosts the product demand and consumption. Moreover, Chile’s position as the top exporter of cherries to China and improved logistics have significantly increased the availability of fresh cherries in the Chinese market.

North America is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period. The growing trend toward healthy and convenient food options is driving the demand for fresh fruits, such as cherries, perceived as a healthy and natural snacking choice. The U.S. is known to be the second largest producer of fresh cherries globally and ongoing production advancements in cherry production further stimulate the demand

Key Market Players

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Leelanau Fruit Co., BEL’EXPORT NV, Hood River Cherry Co., Smeltzer Orchard Co., Cherry Hill Orchards, Rainier Fruit Co., Vitin Fruits, Dell’s Maraschino Cherries, Reid Fruits, and Alara Agri.

Key Developments

• In January 2024, Melissa’s Produce, one of the leading distributors of speciality and organic fresh produce and related products, launched Tasmanian cherries.


• In March 2023, FirstFruits Marketing, LLC., a U.S.-based fruit company, constructed an advanced cherry production line in Prescott, WA. The new production line included the most advanced technology, which offers total automation and the availability of fruit of the highest quality.