The Northern Hemisphere experienced some major challenges during the 2021/22 cherry production season, largely due to unfavourable weather conditions. Logistics and port problems were also encountered there as a result of COVID-19 lockdowns. However, countries in Europe and South America saw good yields.
TURKEY
According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Turkey is the world's largest producer of cherries, accounting for more than 20% of total production. The country's production conditions, including soil type and climate, are ideal for cherry production.
In 2019, Turkey produced 640 000t of cherries, 78 000t of which were exported at a value of around US$200 million (about R3 billion today). In 2020, the country produced 732 000t of cherries and exported 87 944t. This makes Turkey the fourth-biggest cherry exporter in the world. Denizli
