A brochure dedicated to the genetic improvement of cherries has just been published by INIA Chile, authored by José Manuel Donoso, a researcher at INIA Rayentué. “The sweet cherry is one of the most popular temperate fruit trees worldwide, despite its high price in many countries, especially when supply is limited at the beginning of the season,” Donoso explains.
“The fruits of this species have an attractive appearance, their texture and sweet taste are highly appreciated by consumers.”
“However, the genetic improvement of this species has been slow worldwide, unlike other fruit trees such as peaches and apples, mainly due to the large size of the tree and the long unproductive period between seed collection and the plant's ability to consistently produce flowers and fruits.”
To download the publication (in Spanish) click here
Image: FMF
24 Apr 2024
From 2013 to 2022, world production increased from 2.3 to 2.75 million tonnes, while trade flows rose from 350,000 to 940,000 tonnes, an increase of 266%. The value of traded goods reached a record 4.3 billion euro.
09 Dec 2025
Copefrut introduces RedBeats, a Chilean cherry brand tailored for Gen Z: music-driven identity, flexible packaging and smart formats for every moment. The goal is to turn cherries into a daily snack, moving beyond the traditional gifting-centered consumption model.
18 Feb 2026
Chile’s 2025-2026 cherry season closes with 112 million boxes exported, 87% shipped to China. Prices remain stable despite high supply levels. The United States and Southeast Asia show growth, while the industry faces mounting concerns over potential overproduction risks.
18 Feb 2026
Study in China on 110 sweet cherry plastomes (Prunus avium) reveals three maternal lineages and a marked reduction in genetic diversity among modern cultivars. A clear plastid bottleneck emerges, with implications for breeding, traceability and climate resilience.
