In Apulia (IT), early harvest for the Bigarreau variety

30 Apr 2024
777

‘It will be a year marked by earliness also for the cherry orchards in the open field, given the mild temperatures recorded until a few days ago and for much of the winter period. The fruits have reached an appreciably advanced stage of veraison. We will start harvesting the Bigarreau variety next weekend (end of April), marking an advance of about two weeks compared to last season, when the first cuts were made on 10 May'.

This was reported by entrepreneur Giacomo Giotta, owner of the company of the same name in Conversano (Bari - Apulia) with 20 hectares invested in cherry trees.

The great interest in cherries was already palpable with the first Italian greenhouse productions ready at the beginning of the month, as well as the Spanish ones that later arrived on the markets with prices per kilo prohibitive for the average consumer. In Apulia, the cherry orchards are in excellent health and a good campaign is expected in terms of quantity, quality and size, thanks so far to the absence of any return of cold weather or adverse weather phenomena.

‘The cherry market appears to be quite buoyant this year,’ says the producer. ‘I believe that demands will increase in the coming days, also because a satisfying percentage of extra produce is visible on the plants. Compared to 2023, yields are higher (around +20-25%), but this increase in production will not fully compensate for the numerous explantations that have recently occurred in our areas.

Some speak of a thousand fewer hectares than a year ago. The causes are attributable not only to the spread of Drosophila suzukii, but also to the acute shortage of labour and above all to the commercial crisis we have suffered in recent years'.

Source: Freshplaza
Image: Freshplaza


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Aragon first in Spain for cherry production: over 13,000 hectares cultivated

Production

14 Apr 2025

With 13,253 cultivated hectares and 41% of national production, Aragon is the leading cherry-growing region in Spain. From variety to quality, up to exports to Europe and Asia, discover all the numbers and projects to enhance the sector.

Cherry Expo, climate change and varietal progress at the heart of the seventh edition

Events Press review

15 Dec 2023

Lorena Pinto, Product Manager of A.N.A. Chile Cherries, emphasised that the collaboration with the University is a scenario to present a wide range of fruit varieties that are now experiencing an unusual season due to climatic problems.

In evidenza

Kent cherries enjoy record season thanks to climate and innovation

Production

16 Jul 2025

In Kent, the 2025 cherry season reaches record levels thanks to innovative varieties, post-harvest technologies and ideal climate conditions. UK producers estimate 8,000 tonnes of cherries—four times the 2018 crop and 14 times higher than the yield recorded in 2015.

How temperature affects sweet cherry storage and quality: a China–USA research study

Post-harvest​

16 Jul 2025

A scientific study by China and USA researchers analyzes how storage temperature affects sweet cherry quality. Indicators like anthocyanins, acidity, malondialdehyde, and weight loss help model shelf life and reduce postharvest losses in cherry production.

Tag Popolari