PMGC the new Chilean cherry breeding project
19 May 2023
For Macfrut 2023 it was an honour to host Prof. Marlene Ayala of the Catholic University of Chile, the head of the main genetic improvement project for cherries started in 2010 in Chile..
The cherry campaign in the Vignola area and throughout Emilia-Romagna has recently started. To better understand the sensations and perspectives, Italia Fruit News spoke with Enrico Bucchi, General Manager of Valfrutta Fresco.
Bucchi stated: "Last week we started with the first harvests and this week we are already at full capacity. We are slightly ahead of schedule: only a few days, whereas initially a more significant early start was expected, which was instead moderated by the lower temperatures of recent weeks."
"As for the quantities, this year we will express our full production potential of 3,000 tons, after a particularly poor 2023. Finally, a return to normality that will allow us to better serve the market with our offer, led by the product certified with the 'Vignola IGP Cherries' recognition, where we hold a share of more than 50% of the offer, and by the Valfrutta Fresco brand."
Image 1: Enrico Bucchi, General Manager of Valfrutta Fresco. Source: Italia Fruit News.
"We expect excellent quality both in terms of taste and size, thanks also to a varietal renewal that makes us more competitive throughout the season. Starting from the early period, we will accompany the well-known Bigarreau with Nimba and Royal Tioga, with the aim of raising the quality bar, collaborating with the main breeders worldwide."
Bucchi also emphasized the development of production in the provinces of Ravenna and Forlì-Cesena in recent years: "This area shows a high suitability, which has nothing to envy to the historical areas. This represents a great competitive advantage because, on the one hand, it allows us to reduce the risks related to the climatic trend and, on the other hand, it allows us to introduce a certain cultivar in the most suitable area, leveraging first-rate technical know-how."
"At the same time," continues Bucchi, "we have invested in the coverage of the plants to protect the cherries from adverse conditions, such as rain and the consequent cracking, which can be very dangerous. Currently, over a third of the surface is protected, and the goal is to grow further: we encourage protection on every new cherry orchard planted."
The words of the Romagna manager convey a certain optimism, also confirmed by the willingness to expand commercial horizons.
"With the return to the volumes that we deserve, we can aim to gain market share in export, especially in Northern European countries, where we are recognized as a reliable supplier both for the quality of the product and for the precision in fulfilling orders. It will be a great challenge, but all the conditions are in place to best enhance the production of our members."
Source: Italia Fruit News
Opening image: Qualigeo
