“In 2022, the production of French cherries should be above the 2017-2021 average. As a result of this increase in production (compared to last year’s historically low harvest), prices decreased in May but they were still higher than the 5-year average,” according to Agreste.
2022 production estimated at 35,000 tons
The 2022 production of French cherries is estimated at 35,000 tons, which is 126% higher than the 2021 harvest. This estimate is 12% higher than the 2017-2021 average.
In the region of Languedoc-Roussillon, the frost episodes have not impacted the production potential. In the Garonne valley, some loss has been reported, but not as much as last year. In the PACA region, the frost has affected mainly the early varieties (Burlat).
Cherry prices are 18% lower than last year
In May 2022, cherry prices have decreased by 18% since last year, but they are still 11% higher than the 2017-2021 average, as a result of the increase in production. The demand is dynamic thanks to the summer temperatures. Cherries are the object of promotional actions in the supermarkets. In May, the volumes from Spain were 50% lower than last year, therefore returning to normal levels, according to the data regarding the arrivals at the St-Charles market.
Source: agriculture.gouv.fr