The entire cherry crop of Bulgaria is reportedly destined for Russia this season for the second year running following a major rise in demand for the fruit.
According to Bulgarian newspaper Standart, an unnamed Russian company has submitted an offer for 75 tonnes of cherries per week from Kyustendil, a major fruit-producing province in the west of Bulgaria.
Last year, demand from Russian buyers pushed prices up to around Lv2.50 (€1.28) per kilo, meaning growers themselves are likely to push for a higher farm-gate return this time around.
Interest in the fruit has also been noted in Germany, Moldova, Romania and the UK, officials in Kyustendil are reported as saying.
In the meantime, increased demand for Bulgarian cherries has apparently prompted farmers to plant several additional hectares of the fruit in the surrounding area.
A two-day festival dedicated to the cherry harvest and to Kyustendil's reputation as the Fruit Garden of Bulgaria will take place this weekend.
