Turkey’s Cherry Exports Make a Dramatic Comeback, Surging Tenfold

Turkey’s cherry industry has bounced back sharply after severe frost damaged last year’s crop. By Aug. 10, exports had reached 68,737 tons, generating $235 million in foreign-exchange revenue.

The figures mark a dramatic increase from the same period in 2025, when Turkey exported only 6,040 tons and earned $47.72 million. Compared with last year, export volume rose by about 1,038% and export earnings by 392%, according to Cengiz Balık, chairman of the Aegean Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Exporters’ Association.

Turkey is one of the world’s leading cherry producers. Balık said it ranks first globally in production and among the top three or four exporters. Last year’s frost struck during the flowering period, severely reducing production and dragging down exports. This year, the sector has rebounded strongly.

The recovery has also expanded Turkey’s overseas reach. Turkish cherries were sold to 34 countries last year, but that number has risen to 52. Twenty-one markets, including Spain, Italy, Lithuania, Latvia, the United Kingdom and Ireland, have either reopened to Turkish cherries or received them for the first time this year.

Germany remains the biggest buyer, importing Turkish cherries worth $74 million this year.