AZE.US
Cherry prices in Azerbaijan remain high despite the start of the season, with sellers pointing to bad weather, damaged orchards and higher delivery costs.
At local markets, cherries are selling from 2.5 manats (about $1.47) per kilogram to as much as 12 manats (about $7.06), depending on size, quality and the region where they were grown.
Smaller cherries are usually offered for 2-2.5 manats (about $1.18-$1.47). Medium-sized fruit is sold for 3-4 manats (about $1.76-$2.35), while larger and higher-quality varieties can cost 6 manats (about $3.53) or more.
Sellers say the most expensive cherries are brought from Goychay. Supplies also come from the Guba and Shamkir areas, but not in the volumes buyers usually expect during the season.
The main problem is the weak harvest in several regions. In Ismayilli, farmers say heavy rains caused serious damage to cherry orchards, with some gardens almost completely losing their crop.
According to farmers, in normal years one tree could produce 50-60 kilograms of cherries. This year, some trees have produced almost nothing.
They say the rains came during the period when the fruit was forming and ripening, damaging the crop before it could be harvested.
In orchards, cherries are being sold for 2-10 manats (about $1.18-$5.88) per kilogram. But by the time the fruit reaches markets, the final price rises because of packaging, labor, transport and stall fees.
In Ismayilli, sellers say there is little local produce, so cherries are mostly being brought from other districts. That has kept prices from falling.
“There is no local product. Earlier, cherries cost 1-1.5 manats because they were grown here. Now everything is brought from outside, so prices are high,” one seller said.
At local markets, cherries in Ismayilli are mostly selling for around 4 manats (about $2.35) per kilogram. Depending on the variety, prices can reach 5 manats (about $2.94).
The situation is different in Agdash, where farmers say the harvest is stronger. Picking has been under way for about 10 days.
One grower said his orchard has nearly 500 trees and could produce around 6-7 tons of cherries this season.
In Agdash, farm-gate prices vary from 2 to 6 manats (about $1.18-$3.53) per kilogram, depending on the variety. Farmers say if cherries are bought from them for 3 manats (about $1.76), they become more expensive by the time they reach Baku because of added costs.
Production costs have also risen. Farmers say tilling an orchard that previously cost about 300 manats (about $176) now costs 350-400 manats (about $206-$235).
Sellers say prices could ease in the coming days if the weather stabilizes and more local cherries reach the markets.
AZE.US