Moldovan sour cherries conquer the world: Moldova ranks 4th in exports
The Republic of Moldova has risen to 4th place worldwide in sour cherry exports, setting “an absolute record,” according to economic expert Veaceslav Ioniță. In June alone, exports reached $3.1 million, 50% higher than the total volume achieved in 2024.
Globally, the sour cherry market is limited, estimated at $70–100 million annually. Nevertheless, the Republic of Moldova has significantly increased its share due to high demand in European markets. While in 2020 the country ranked 16th with a 1.3% share, by 2024 it rose to 8th place, and in 2025 it reached 4th place with a share of over 3.5%, notes Veaceslav Ioniță.
According to him, geopolitical changes accelerated Moldova’s export orientation toward the European Union. Until 2022, 95–98% of sour cherries went to the Russian market, but in 2025 the trend reversed: 72% of exports are directed to the EU and only 18% to the CIS.
“If we look closely, almost half of all sour cherries imported by Poland this year come from Moldova. Poland had a demand, our farmers recognized it, and they capitalized on it perfectly. That’s why, in just one month, we recorded the largest export in our history. Interestingly, in Poland—our main destination—we offered nearly the lowest price. Other countries sold at much higher prices, so we were very competitive,” emphasized the expert.
The success in 2025 is also due to rising prices, Veaceslav Ioniță adds. While in 2016 sour cherries for export sold for $0.35 per kilogram, this year the price rose to $1.59/kg—almost double. On the domestic market, farmers sold cherries for 20 lei per kilogram, he noted.
“In just one month, we exported cherries worth $3.1 million, double compared to previous years and 50% more than in 2022, 2023, or 2024. For instance, in 2024 we exported $2.3 million, the same as in 2023,” the expert said.
Estimates indicate that 4,000 tons of cherries will be exported in 2025—eight times more than in 2016.
The total value of sour cherry production in Moldova is estimated at 224 million lei in 2025, up from 123 million lei in 2024. Exports will account for nearly half of this sum, about 110 million lei.
