AZE.US
Seasonal cherries are selling at sharply different prices across Baku markets, with some varieties reaching 18 manats ($10.59) per kilogram, according to Baku TV.
Vendors say prices depend on the variety, size, taste and freshness of the fruit. Cheaper cherries can be found for around 4-8 manats ($2.35-$4.71) per kilogram, while larger and higher-quality varieties are being sold for 15-18 manats ($8.82-$10.59).
At some stalls, the variety known locally as “Napoleon” is offered for about 8 manats ($4.71), while larger premium cherries, including the so-called “ox heart” variety, can cost up to 18 manats ($10.59). White cherries are being sold for around 7-8 manats ($4.12-$4.71), while local sour cherries range from 15 to 20 manats ($8.82-$11.76) per kilogram.
“There are cherries for 10, 12 and 15 manats ($5.88, $7.06 and $8.82). The larger varieties are more expensive. White cherries are cheaper, but local sour cherries are costly this year,” one vendor said.
Sellers say cherries are more expensive this season than they were last year. They mainly link the increase to unfavorable weather conditions.
Heavy spring rains and hail damaged fruit orchards and reduced yields, especially in the Guba and Gusar districts. As a result, the supply of quality cherries reaching the market has fallen.
“Last year, some orchards produced two or three tons of cherries. This year, because of hail and rain, the harvest was much smaller,” one seller said.
Other vendors also said repeated rains and unexpected hail affected farms and created a shortage of better-quality fruit.
According to sellers, cherry prices have increased by an average of 3-4 manats ($1.76-$2.35) per kilogram compared with last year.
The current prices, they say, reflect a combination of lower harvest volumes, weather-related losses, differences in quality and continued demand for larger cherry varieties.
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