Cesena (11 March 2024) – Chile takes centre stage in the latest two Macfrut Academy video lessons, focusing on a globally successful case study in cherries. The first episode, dedicated to the field phase, will be aired on Thursday 14 March at 5 pm (Italian time), titled ‘Chilean cherry: a successful supply chain’.
The 30-minute video lesson provides a detailed look at how Chile has successfully overcome the challenges of a difficult market: the cherry market. The country now exports 90% of its production and has even conquered the Chinese market.
Hosted by Maicol Mercuriali, the episode begins with a general overview of the ‘Chilean model’ by Carlos Tapia, founder and technical director of Avium, a company specialising in research and development for cherry production.
The focus then moves on to the field, in particular varietal choices, agronomic techniques, selection and commercial strategies. Speakers include key players in the industry, such as Lorena Pinto, Manager of Cherry Ana Chile, Juan Pablo Zoffoli, lecturer at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and Andrea Ravaioli, Knowledge Transfer Office Manager at the University of Bologna: a shining example of synergy between academic research and the production industry.
Dr Stefano Lugli, representative of the Plant Nursery Area at Macfrut 2024, provided technical advice for the episode. The second episode, which will also be dedicated to the Chilean cherry supply chain, will focus on post-harvesting.
All of the available content can be accessed here free of charge after registration.
This video lesson on the Chilean cherry supply chain is the third episode of the Macfrut Academy, the innovative digital platform for professionals in the fruit and vegetable sector. This prestigious and scientific digital platform, designed in an agile format, offers an insight into key topics in the fruit and vegetable supply chain in order to keep professionals up to date with the latest industry news. All episodes are also available on demand after registering on the platform.
Info: academy@macfrut.com
01 Jul 2024
Research conducted by Driscoll's found that seven of the top 10 best-performing cherry varieties are British, citing the fact that they are among the best in terms of flavour and size. Furthermore, 89% of British buyers prioritise taste and freshness.
03 Mar 2025
To preserve the quality of cherries, it is essential to control the temperature, relative humidity and gas composition (O₂ and CO₂) in the product environment during storage and transport.
20 Mar 2026
A study in Spain examines an evergrowing sweet cherry genotype unable to enter dormancy. The research highlights altered expression of DAM genes and offers new insights for genetic improvement and adaptation to climate change in temperate fruit crops.
20 Mar 2026
The CrackSense project investigates sweet cherry cracking in Lithuania and France, highlighting the impact of extreme weather events, sensor-based monitoring, and varietal differences to improve prevention, resilience, and advanced orchard management strategies.
