Turkish Cherry 2026: Season Review and Our First Year in India
From frost to recovery
In April 2025, a severe frost hit Turkey's cherry-growing regions and destroyed most of the crop. For many exporters, including us, there was almost no fresh cherry season that year.2026 was different. The orchards recovered, volumes came back, and fruit quality was good. It was not an easy season, but it was a season to remember, especially because it took us into a new market for the first time.A late start in Southeast AsiaThe 2026 Turkish cherry season opened about two weeks later than usual.
That delay mattered in our core markets: Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. In a normal year, Turkish cherries reach Asian shelves before US cherries arrive in volume. This year, our window was shorter. Turkish and US cherries were on the same shelves at the same time, and competition on price and space was much tougher.We kept supplying our long-standing customers in these markets with firm, optically graded fruit by direct air cargo from Istanbul. But the season reminded us how much timing matters, and why a second strong market is important for both us and our growers.
Our first season in India
That second market was India. In 2026 we shipped Turkish cherries to India for the first time, by air cargo to Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai. July was our strongest month, and the season went far better than we expected for a first year. We entered India with a new brand, Smile Fruits. By the end of the season, Smile Fruits had become a name that Indian importers and retailers recognise.
What we learned in our first season:
Indian buyers value consistency. Uniform large sizes like 28+ and 30+, colour and firmness across every box built trust quickly.
Timing worked in our favour. The late Turkish season fitted well with demand in India in July.
A dedicated brand helps. A clear brand made it easier for buyers to remember and reorder 2027.
Two brands in India For the 2027 season
We plan to bring our established Orcharts brand to India alongside Smile Fruits. Orcharts is already known to importers in Singapore, Malaysia and Hong Kong. With two brands, we can serve different buyers and price points in India while representing Art Fruits as one reliable supplier.
Plan your 2027 cherry programme
If you are in India, Singapore, Malaysia or Hong Kong and want Turkish cherries under Smile Fruits or Orcharts or your own label in 2027, now is the right time to talk.
Email: info@artfruits.com.tr
Phone / WhatsApp: +90 533 380 80 06
You can also contact us through our website or read more about how we grade and ship on our cherry page.
