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
11 Mar 2025
Cherries and quality, also in relation to the increasingly challenging climatic conditions for cherry growing: these topics were developed among others during the latest 'Stone Fruit Day' organised by Washington State University (WSU).
18 Feb 2025
The implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and responsible handling of plant protection products were key factors for a significant increase in both productivity and quality of the cherries.
30 Dec 2025
A study from China shows that pre-cooling sweet cherries at 4°C can reduce cracking by over 50%. Cultivars Jiahong and Hongdeng react differently, but both benefit. Physiological and genetic data support the effectiveness of this low-impact postharvest solution.
30 Dec 2025
South Africa is strengthening its cherry industry and aims to access the Chinese market by the 2026/27 season. With earlier harvest times than Chile, expanding planted area, and growing export potential, it could become a key supplier during weeks of limited global availability.
