15 Most Profitable Cherry Varieties: What Characteristics Are Valued in Global Markets
Cherry is one of the most promising areas in the fruit and vegetable business. It accounts for 46% of the global trade in stone fruits in value terms, although its share in export volume is only 19%. This indicates significantly higher prices for cherries compared to other stone fruits.
This is reported by AgroReview
The key factors for cherry profitability are the color and size of the fruits. In the Chinese market, the largest in the world for cherry imports (China and Hong Kong import cherries worth $5.7 billion annually), preference is given to large dark fruits.
Premium markets consistently demand cherries with a diameter of over 28 mm. For cherries larger than 30 mm, producers in Europe and Central Asia can receive a net price of $6–7 or more even at the peak of the season in the Northern Hemisphere, while smaller sizes are sold at 2–3 times lower prices.
Dark Varieties for the Asian Market
Among the most popular dark varieties are “Bing” with a deep rich flavor and heart-shaped form, the Turkish “0900 Ziraat” known for its intense sweetness, “Chelan” with a sugar content of 16-18%, “Sweetheart” with a complex flavor profile, and the self-pollinating “Stella”.
Light Premium Varieties
Light varieties are highly valued in Western markets. In particular, “Rainier” with its golden-yellow color and red blush is considered an ultra-premium product. The “Van” variety is also popular due to its versatility in use.
In Ukraine, cherry production is actively recovering in the central regions after 2022. Among Ukrainian varieties, “Valeriy Chkalov” stands out for its early ripening, and “Black Melitopol” is noted for its excellent storability.
For maximum profitability, it is important for producers to consider not only taste qualities but also fruit size, color compliance with specific market requirements, and post-harvest processing characteristics. The most profitable operations combine high sugar content, an optimal size of 28 mm, the correct color for the target market, and stable production.