Category
Sour Cherry
- Season / availabilityJune–July; frozen year-round
- Main originsVinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Odesa, Zakarpattia
- Shelf lifeUp to 24 months at −18 °C
Sour cherry pitted IQF and with pits; key Ukrainian export position for the EU processing industry.
Overview
Ukrainian sour cherry is a first-tier export product: large orchard area, established pitting and freezing capacity, and strong demand from EU jam, dairy, bakery and beverage industries for pitted IQF fruit and puree.
Key facts
- Season / availabilityJune–July; frozen year-round
- Main originsVinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Odesa, Zakarpattia
- Shelf lifeUp to 24 months at −18 °C
- HS codes0811.90 (frozen; CN 0811 90 75 for sour cherry) — verify with broker
Main Product Types
Browse the sub-categories inside this group to reach individual product specifications.
Processing Methods
Fruit is pitted on industrial lines and IQF-frozen or block-frozen; puree and concentrate produced in season. Optical sorting and metal detection are standard at export facilities; X-ray pit detection is supplier-specific — confirm.
Packaging Formats
Industrial: 10–20 kg cartons with liner (pitted IQF), 300–500 kg octabins and drums for puree. Retail pouches for pitted cherry exist under private label.
Quality & Grades
The critical parameter is residual pit tolerance after pitting, alongside colour, Brix, MRL compliance and lot microbiology. Specify pit tolerance (stones per kg) and claim procedure in the contract; request lot COA.
Export Considerations
Reefer FTL/LTL at −18 °C, 2–5 days DAP. The June–July window tightens reefer capacity — book transport and freezing slots early.
Relevant Routes
- Ukraine → Berlin (Germany) — Reefer RoadReefer road corridor from Ukraine to Berlin and eastern Germany, gateway to the largest EU food market.
- Ukraine → Bucharest (Romania) — Reefer RoadReefer road corridor from Ukraine to Bucharest via the southern border, gateway to Romania and the Black Sea region.
- Ukraine → Prague (Czechia) — Reefer RoadReefer road corridor from Ukraine to Prague and the Czech market, with onward links to southern Germany.
- Ukraine → Rotterdam (Netherlands) — Reefer RoadLong-haul reefer corridor from Ukraine to Rotterdam, the main North Sea logistics hub, for Benelux and overseas-connected buyers.
Top Export Markets
EU processors import substantial pitted sour cherry volumes for jams, yogurts, pastries and juices. Ukraine competes with Poland, Hungary and Serbia on harvest pricing, fruit intensity and road proximity to Central Europe.
Market Trends
Bake-stable and sugar-infused formats are growing; EU buyers pre-contract pitted volumes; interest rising in puree with defined Brix for beverage applications.
Certifications
Frequently Asked Questions
Pitted or unpitted — which formats exist?
Both, but pitted IQF dominates export demand. Puree and concentrate are produced in season. State format and pit tolerance in the specification.
How is residual pit content specified?
As a tolerance of residual stones/pits per kg, verified by agreed detection methods. Define the limit, test method and claim procedure in the contract.
When should I contract sour cherry?
Harvest runs June–July; contract by April–May to secure volume and processing slots. Spot buying is possible but exposes you to short-season pricing.
Which varieties are grown?
Industrial sour cherry varieties of the Morello type are common. Variety affects colour and Brix — request details and reference lots per supplier.
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Quick Facts
- Season / availabilityJune–July; frozen year-round
- Main originsVinnytsia, Khmelnytskyi, Odesa, Zakarpattia
- Shelf lifeUp to 24 months at −18 °C
- HS codes0811.90 (frozen; CN 0811 90 75 for sour cherry) — verify with broker
On this page
Key Standards
Products in this category
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Frozen Sour Cherry (Pitted) IQF
IQF pitted sour cherry. Pit and pit fragment tolerances, calibre, Brix and acidity, seasonality and intake checks.
-
Frozen Sour Cherry (Unpitted) IQF
IQF unpitted sour cherry for juice and pressing. Brix, acidity, seasonality and why unpitted is the cheaper route…
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Frozen Sour Cherry (Pitted) IQF
IQF pitted sour cherry. Pit and pit fragment tolerances, calibre, Brix and acidity, seasonality and intake checks.
-
Frozen Sour Cherry (Unpitted) IQF
IQF unpitted sour cherry for juice and pressing. Brix, acidity, seasonality and why unpitted is the cheaper route…