Cranberries: capricious weather makes crop estimates difficult
December 9, 2025 at 12:15 PM ,
Der AUDITOR
Adverse weather conditions
According to the experts at Chelmer Foods, the 2025 cranberry crop in Québec, Canada, is almost on par with last year's – a result that has surprised many market observers given the unusual weather conditions. At the beginning of the year, above-average rainfall made for a difficult start to the growing season, followed by a prolonged dry spell in midsummer. Although these extremes affected plant development and led to slightly lower yields, these losses were largely offset by a targeted expansion of acreage. Growers who invested in new plantations and optimised management strategies ensured that Québec maintained its role as a reliable supplier in the global cranberry market.
Moderate progress in the organic segment
Organic cranberry production in Québec is showing a slight upward trend for the first time after several years of stagnation. However, despite progress in areas such as pest control, soil health and the use of organic inputs, the segment continues to face challenges. Fluctuations in yields and high production costs in particular are hampering expansion. According to the market experts, innovations – for example in integrated pest control, water management and varietal development tailored to organic systems – remain crucial to leveraging the long-term potential of this niche market.
Global crop likely to increase slightly
In the USA, the world's largest producer and consumer of cranberries, crop estimates for the 2025/26 season vary widely. While Chelmer Foods expects a significant decline due to factors such as prolonged drought and early frosts in the central growing regions, the International Nut and Dried Fruit Council (INC) forecasts even a slight increase over last year. However, the INC also points out that unfavourable weather conditions in Wisconsin have resulted in smaller berries, which could mean that the US crop will be slightly smaller after all. The INC estimates for Canada are around 49,700 mt, while Chile is expected to increase its production by 8.7% to 11,600 mt. Overall, the INC expects a global crop of 205,200 mt in the 2025/26 season.
|
Global cranberry production, in mt |
|||
|
Country |
2024/25 |
2025/26 |
Diff. |
|
USA |
142,321 |
143,900 |
1.1% |
|
Canada |
49,560 |
49,700 |
0.3% |
|
Chile |
10,670 |
11,600 |
8.7% |
|
Total |
202,551 |
205,200 |
1.3% |
|
INC, November 2025 |
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EU imports significantly higher
EU cranberry imports increased by almost 11% in the first eleven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year. The most important supplier by far was the USA, which shipped 18,332 mt of cranberries to EU countries, 7.4% more than in the same period last year. Canada increased its shipments to the EU by an impressive 20.5% to 15,829 mt, while Chile delivered 6.7% less than in the same period last year.
In total, the EU imported 37,507 mt of cranberries worth more than EUR 133 million during the above-mentioned period. The most important buyers were the Netherlands, Germany and Poland. The average import price was EUR 3.56/kg, 1.9% below last year's level.
|
EU cranberry imports, in mt |
|||
|
Partner |
2024 |
2025 |
Diff. |
|
USA |
17,064 |
18,332 |
7.4% |
|
Canada |
13,135 |
15,829 |
20.5% |
|
Chile |
3,405 |
3,178 |
-6.7% |
|
Others |
291 |
168 |
-42.3% |
|
Total |
33,895 |
37,507 |
10.7% |
|
DG AGRI TAXUD Customs Surveillance System, 01/01-30/11 20089391+20089393+20089399 Cranberries, processed |
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