Cherry prices in Russia have seen a significant increase this year, driven by factors including crop losses due to May frosts and a weakened ruble. The average cost of cherries in May 2025 was 733 rubles, a 12% increase compared to May of the previous year, according to the Check Index analytical center. Tsenozavr monitoring center also reported a 26% increase in cherry prices in retail chains since June 2024, with the average cost of a kilogram reaching 667 rubles in early summer 2025.

Early cherry varieties suffered significant damage due to May frosts, with the Ministry of Agriculture reporting the destruction of over 100,000 hectares of various agricultural crops. Vladislav Korovin, owner of Russia’s largest cherry orchard, Truffle Valley, confirmed a 40% crop loss due to the frosts. This reduction in domestic supply has forced growers to adapt to import prices.

The Russian cherry market is heavily reliant on imports, primarily from Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. With imports accounting for 80% of the market share, domestic prices are significantly influenced by foreign market dynamics.

Economist Vasily Koltashov points to a weakened ruble and a growing economy as contributing factors to the price increase. Foreign sellers are aware of the economic conditions and are setting prices accordingly. Koltashov also suggests that consumer willingness to pay inflated prices further encourages sellers to maintain higher price levels. He advises consumers to resist purchasing cherries at inflated prices to signal market resistance to such pricing.