March 1/Duiven, The Netherlands/Innova Market Insights -- Cherries have long been appreciated for their taste, but growing evidence about their health benefits is now putting them squarely in the frame for “superfruit” status, as they are increasingly being used in juices and juice drink blends. Although orange and apple still dominate globally, ahead of mango and grape, cherry did feature in about 7% of the juice and juice drink launches recorded by Innova Market Insights in 2011, up from 4% five years previously.
While a significant number of these launches are in the form of blends with other juices, particularly apple but also berries and other red fruits, pure cherry juice products are also increasing. This is usually occurring on a premium platform, and sometimes specifying the type of cherry, not just sour or tart, but also varieties such as Montmorency.