Which Country is the Largest Producer of Cherries in the World?

Top Cherry Producer: Turkey grows more cherries than any other country in the world. Cherries are grown in many regions of Turkey, but the highest producing areas include İzmir, Manisa, and Afyon. Read below to explore more about this vibrant fruit that holds cultural, economic, and culinary value worldwide.

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Which Country is the Largest Producer of Cherries in the World?

Turkey is the highest producer of cherries in the world. Western provinces of Turkey such as İzmir and Manisa and Afyon are very fertile and are cherry-producing powerhouses. Sweet cherries like Ziraat 0900, famed for their deep red colour and firm texture, are grown in abundance. Turkish cherries are exported to over fifty countries every year, including Germany, Russia, and the Netherlands.

How many cherries does Turkey produce?

Turkey produces over 800,000 metric tonnes of cherries annually, making it the number one cherry-producing country in the world. Turkey's cherry harvest season begins in late May and peaks in June and July. Cherries from Turkey are popular for their sweetness, size, and long shelf life, making them good for exports as well as domestic consumption.

Top 5 Cherry Producing Countries in The World

Note: These figures are based on recent data from 2023–2024, primarily sourced from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Population Review.

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Chile

Chile is a top cherry producer and a huge exporter, especially because their growing season is opposite to countries in the Northern Hemisphere. This means when it's winter in places like the U.S. and Europe, Chile can provide fresh cherries. A very large portion of Chile's cherries are sent to China, especially for the Chinese New Year celebrations, where they are very popular.

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has quickly become a major cherry-producing country in Central Asia. It grows a significant amount of cherries each year, and the country is working hard to grow even more high-quality cherries specifically for selling to other countries as the demand for cherries around the world grows.

United States

The United States is one of the world's leading cherry producers. Most of their cherries come from states like Washington, Oregon, California, and Michigan. They grow two main types: sweet cherries (like the ones you eat fresh, such as Bing and Rainier) and tart cherries (which are often used in pies, jams, and juices).

Spain

Spain is a notable cherry producer, especially within Europe. Its warm, sunny climate in regions like the Jerte Valley is very good for growing different kinds of cherries. Spanish cherries are mostly sold fresh within Europe, but some are also used to make other products like preserves. The country's farmers benefit from a good demand for their tasty cherries.

Which Other Countries Have Cherry Production?

After Turkey and the U.S., countries such as Italy, Spain, China, and Argentina also contribute significantly to global cherry production. These nations have ideal climates and are investing in sustainable farming and cold chain logistics to expand cherry exports.

Amazing Facts about Cherries

• Cherries Have Ancient Roots: Cherries were cultivated as far back as 300 BC in ancient Anatolianmodern-day Turkey!
• Two Major Types: Cherries are classified into two main categories: sweet cherries (Prunus avium) and sour/tart cherries (Prunus cerasus).
• High Demand: Cherries have one of the shortest growing seasons among fruits, making them a sought-after seasonal delicacy.
• Packed with Nutrients: Cherries are high in antioxidants, especially anthocyanins, which give them their deep red colour and may help reduce inflammation.
• Cherries in Space: NASA once included cherry seeds in a space shuttle mission to study the effects of microgravity on seed development.

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