In 2019, the global dried tart cherry market was valued at approximately US$ 3,069.35 million and is anticipated to grow to around US$ 4,684.44 million by 2027, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2020 to 2027.
Dried tart cherries are packed with essential nutrients and possess significant properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. They are a good source of potassium, fiber, and beta carotene. The unique sweet and tangy flavor of dried tart cherries makes them a popular ingredient in various food and beverage applications. These cherries provide numerous health benefits, such as supporting cardiovascular health, enhancing sleep quality, and alleviating pain. They are a natural source of melatonin, which aids in regulating sleep cycles. Additionally, dried tart cherries are rich in boron, which contributes to bone health, and they contain high levels of anthocyanins, which offer anti-inflammatory benefits that assist in muscle tissue repair and maintenance.
The dried tart cherry market is categorized by product type into freeze-dried, sun-dried, infused-dried, and other varieties. In 2019, the infused-dried segment held the largest market share. The infused-drying process involves adding fruit juice or sugar solutions to the cherries, followed by osmosis and drying at a controlled temperature of 60?C. This method begins with softening the cherries and infusing them with a sugar solution to achieve a specific brix level. The infusion process allows the liquid to penetrate the cherries, drawing out moisture while enhancing sweetness. Given the naturally sour flavor of tart cherries, they are often lightly sweetened during this process. After a few hours, the cherries become infused and stable for storage. Subsequently, the product is air-dried to achieve a moisture content of 15-20%, followed by a light oil spray, inspection, and packaging. The robust fruity flavor of infused dried cherries makes them suitable for direct consumption and as additions to muesli and yogurt, making them an excellent choice for bakery and snack applications.
Geographically, the dried tart cherry market is divided into regions including North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. In 2019, Europe dominated the market, followed by North America and Asia-Pacific. The increasing demand for organic and natural ingredients in the food and beverage sector is expected to drive market growth in Europe. The trend towards healthier convenience food products is a significant factor contributing to the expansion of the dried tart cherry market in this region. Numerous key players in the food and beverage industry are based in Europe, presenting promising opportunities for market growth.
As of December 2020, countries such as the US, India, Brazil, Russia, France, Spain, the UK, Turkey, and Italy were among those most severely impacted by COVID-19, with high numbers of confirmed cases and fatalities. According to the World Health Organization, by December 2020, there were approximately 79,232,555 confirmed cases and 1,754,493 deaths reported globally. The pandemic has significantly disrupted economies and industries worldwide due to lockdowns, travel restrictions, and business closures. The food and beverage industry has faced severe challenges, including supply chain disruptions, cancellations of technology events, and office shutdowns. For instance, China, a major manufacturing hub and supplier of raw materials, has experienced lockdowns that have adversely affected global supply chains, impacting the manufacturing, delivery schedules, and sales of various food and beverage products. Many companies have reported potential delays in product deliveries and a decline in future sales. Furthermore, international travel bans have hindered business collaborations and partnership opportunities, which are expected to negatively influence the food and beverage sector and act as a constraint on market growth in the upcoming months.
Key players in the global dried tart cherry market include Cherry Central, CherryActive Australia, Cherryvite Ltd, Enko Meyve Orman ?r?nleri San. Tic. Ltd., Fruit d'Or, Graceland Fruit, Inc., Payson Fruit Growers, Royal Ridge Fruits, Shoreline Fruit, and Smeltzer Orchard Company, LLC.
The overall size of the global dried tart cherry market has been determined through a combination of primary and secondary research. The research process began with extensive secondary research utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data related to the market. This approach also aimed to provide an overview and forecast for the dried tart cherry market across all segments. Additionally, primary interviews were conducted with industry participants and experts to validate the data and gain deeper analytical insights. Participants typically included industry professionals such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, as well as external consultants like valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the dried tart cherry market.