Early start for Catalonia: good prices, but forecasts reveal less harvest for 2024

16 May 2024
1675

In Catalonia, the cherry harvest season commenced a few days back in the earliest regions. Initially, there were expectations for an early start to harvesting, but this didn't materialize due to a sudden drop in temperatures. Recent rainfall did cause some damage to early varieties being gathered, albeit not significantly.

“Our cherry campaign officially launched on April 8th, introducing varieties cultivated under plastic. Subsequently, on April 28th, we initiated the marketing of our first open-ground cherries,” shared David Manero, a key figure at Cerima Cherries.

“Compared to the previous year, we initiated the process a few days earlier, with last year's harvest commencing on May 4th. While we could have begun earlier, given the unusually warm spring until a fortnight ago, the abrupt temperature decline altered our plans," he explained.

“Recent days brought between 12 to 15 liters per square meter of precipitation to our production zones, potentially impacting certain varieties like Mimba, already in harvest mode. However, we anticipate this won't drastically affect our supply volumes, ensuring seamless service to our clientele,” assured David Manero.

Anticipations suggest a diminished cherry yield this year, as per the insights from producers and traders. “This season, we foresee a decrease in early cherry production. Normalcy in harvest is projected by the second or third week of May, albeit at levels lower than the preceding season,” he added.

“The season kickstarted favorably in terms of market prices. Despite primarily harvesting in May and June, our diverse variety offerings align well with the current market dynamics in Europe," highlighted David Manero.

Attribution: FreshPlaza
Image Source: Cerima Cherries


Cherry Times - Reserved Rights

What to read next

Chilean cherries boom in China: record exports and lower prices

Markets

20 Jan 2026

China now absorbs 93% of Chile’s cherry exports, making them the country’s second most exported product after copper. Thanks to direct sea routes, improved logistics, and lower prices, Chile is boosting its position as a global leader in agri-food trade with China.

New Zeland cherry exports hit record: volumes up 33%, booming in Asia and US

Markets

09 Apr 2025

New Zealand cherries hit a historic record: 5.07 million kg exported (+33%) and export value over NZD 124 million. Asia, US and Middle East drive demand, with high prices and strong prospects for the cherry industry and wider horticulture sector.

In evidenza

Valle del Jerte in fiore: la DOP Cereza del Jerte punta a una buona campagna

Production

24 Mar 2026

El Valle del Jerte si copre di bianco con la fioritura e la DOP Cereza del Jerte avvia la campagna con ottimismo: attese 10 milioni di chili di ciliegie certificate e tra 2 e 3 milioni di chili di picota, per una stagione che si apre con condizioni favorevoli e prospettive positi

Cherry bacterial canker: prevention and sustainable orchard management strategies

Covers

23 Mar 2026

Cherry bacterial canker threatens orchard productivity and long-term yield. Preventive strategies, integrated management and biological solutions help reduce infections, improve tree health and support more sustainable and resilient cherry production systems.

Tag Popolari