Cherry
Cherry is a fleshy stone fruit harvested from trees of the genus Prunus. It is consumed fresh and valued for its sweet or tart flavor.
Prices, specifications and international trade for cherry under HS 080929.
Cherry Price
Published reference · Jul 1, 2026
Cherry is quoted in USD/t at CHL. Historical customs values may differ from the headline reference.
Explore cherry pricesCherry Exports and Imports
Chile led reported cherry exports in 2025, at $3.3B.
Compare cherry exporting countriesCherry Specifications and Quality
Cherry grading factors include Size, Color, and Firmness.
Grading Factors
Quality assessment for cherry considers Size, Color, and Firmness.
- Size
Buyers assess cherry diameter and weight, preferring uniform large fruit.
- Color
Desired color ranges from deep red to dark pink, indicating ripeness and flavor.
- Firmness
Firm cherries with minimal give are preferred to ensure shelf‑life and transport resilience.
- Stem condition
Intact, green stems indicate freshness; broken or dried stems are a negative factor.
Typical Specification Ranges
Cherry specifications record soluble solids content (ssc), ph, moisture content. These are typical ranges, not guarantees for an individual lot.
| Soluble solids content (SSC) | 12–18 °Brix |
|---|---|
| PH | 3.20–4.00 |
| Moisture content | 80–85 % |
Common Defects
Recorded defects for cherry include Bruising, Mold growth, and Stem rot.
- Bruising
Soft, discolored spots caused by handling damage; reduces marketability.
- Mold growth
Fungal spots, especially gray or white, indicate spoilage and must be rejected.
- Stem rot
Decay at the stem attachment point, often spreading to the fruit.
- Insect damage
Visible entry holes or tunnels created by fruit flies or other pests.
Certifications
Certifications documented for cherry include GlobalG.A.P., Organic, and Fair Trade. Their applicability depends on the individual product and shipment.
- GlobalG.A.P.
Good Agricultural Practices certification covering food safety, environmental, and worker standards for fresh produce.
- Organic
Certification confirming that cherries are grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers.
- Fair Trade
Certification ensuring equitable pricing and social standards for growers.
Cherry Facts and HS Code
Cherry belongs to fresh fruit within produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients. Its customs classification covers HS 080929.
Cherry HS Code
| Also known as | sweet cherry, sour cherry |
|---|---|
| Product type | Raw |
| Form | Fresh |
| Position in the chain | Primary |
| Category | Fresh fruit — Produce, nuts, spices and food ingredients |
| HS codes | 080929 |
| Quoted in | USD/t |
| Reference location | CHL |
Production & Handling
Cherry storage guidance: Keep dry and cold, preferably between paper towels in the refrigerator
Production and Storage
| Perishability | High |
|---|---|
| Temperature regime | Chilled |
| Storage conditions | Keep dry and cold, preferably between paper towels in the refrigerator |
| Processing steps |
|
Packaging
Typical cherry packaging includes Clamshell trays, Bulk cartons, and Mesh bags.
- Clamshell trays
Rigid PET trays with ventilation holes, commonly used for fresh cherries in retail.
- Bulk cartons
Corrugated cardboard boxes with internal liners, used for bulk shipments to processors.
- Mesh bags
Lightweight netted bags allowing airflow, often used for short‑haul transport.
Uses & Risks
Cherry is used in Fresh consumption, Frozen cherries, and Dried cherries.
End Uses
- Fresh consumption
Whole cherries sold to retailers for direct eating.
- Frozen cherries
Cherries frozen shortly after harvest for use in desserts, smoothies, and food service.
- Dried cherries
Dehydrated cherries used as snack items, bakery ingredients, and trail mixes.
- Cherry juice
Pressed and pasteurized juice sold as a beverage or ingredient in beverages.
- Cherry preserves and jam
Cooked and sweetened whole or pitted cherries packaged for retail.
- Cherry liqueur
Cherries macerated in alcohol and sweetened to produce a flavored spirit.
Uses and Related Commodities
| Downstream industries | Food service and hospitality, Bakery and confectionery, Beverage production, Snack manufacturing, Retail grocery |
|---|
Sourcing risks
| Risk | Mitigation |
|---|---|
Late spring frost ClimateHigh Cherry trees flower early; unexpected frosts can damage blossoms, drastically reducing yields for the season. | Use frost protection methods such as orchard heaters, wind machines, or delayed pruning to shift bloom timing. |
Fruit cracking LogisticsHigh Cherry skins can split as they expand post‑harvest, especially when water accumulates at the stem end, leading to quality loss and market rejection. | Apply anti‑cracking treatments that reduce surface water absorption and manage harvest timing to avoid periods of high humidity. |
Cherry fruit fly (Rhagoletis cerasi) PestHigh The adult flies lay eggs in ripening cherries; larvae feed on the fruit, causing extensive damage and loss of marketable yield. | Implement monitoring traps, apply timely insecticide treatments, and use netting or bagging to protect fruit. |
Delayed fruit ripening ClimateMedium Rapid growth periods require adequate calcium; insufficient calcium or unfavorable temperatures slow metabolism and delay ripening, reducing harvest quality. | Ensure balanced calcium nutrition and monitor temperature regimes during critical growth stages to support timely ripening. |
Brown rot (Monilinia fructicola) Food safetyMedium Fungal infection leads to soft, watery decay of cherries, which can spread rapidly in storage and during transport. | Apply appropriate fungicides in the orchard, ensure rapid cooling after harvest, and maintain low humidity in storage. |
Fruit set failure PestMedium Inadequate fruit set after fertilization weakens overall yield; stress factors can impair cell division and enlargement needed for early fruit development. | Use growth regulators that promote cell division and monitor orchard conditions to support optimal pollination and early fruit development. |
Cherry Questions
- What are the key quality attributes to verify when purchasing fresh cherries?
- Buyers should check for firm, glossy skin without cracks or bruises, and a uniform deep red color indicating ripeness. The fruit should be free of mold, insect damage, and excessive stem remnants. Sweetness and flavor are best assessed by sampling a few berries from the batch.
- How should fresh cherries be stored to maintain freshness?
- Cherries should be kept refrigerated at 0‑2 °C with high humidity (90‑95 %). They must be packed in breathable containers to avoid moisture buildup, and the cold chain should be uninterrupted from harvest to delivery.
- What processing methods are commonly used for cherries before they reach the market?
- After harvest, cherries are typically washed, sorted, and may be pitted using mechanical equipment. Some buyers request a light coating of food‑grade anti‑browning solution, while others prefer whole, unprocessed fruit for fresh consumption.