Mendoza (Argentina): early start due to weather conditions

20 Oct 2023
3172

The farm Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A., based in Mendoza, started the commercial harvest of this fruit produced in Argentina yesterday, 19 October, and for the third year in a row it has succeeded in starting in week 42.

"We are starting the season with the varieties of the Royal series, which have shown excellent adaptation to be harvested in the northern area of Mendoza from week 42. This year in particular we are starting the harvest two days earlier than last season, which is the earliest in recent years," says Nicolás Güizzo, technical director of the Mendoza-based company.

Nicolás Güizzo also adds that 'Mendoza has the particularity of guaranteeing a good entry into the dormancy period with more than 400 hours of accumulated winter cold. Added to this is a good accumulation of cold hours. This allows most of the early varieties to show interesting yields with excellent quality and, above all, very early harvest dates compared to other production areas.

The farm, which has been present in Mendoza for over 40 years, specialises in the production of early varieties of cherries. These are marketed entirely by air to the European Union, the United Kingdom, the Middle East and the Far East, as well as supplying the main retailers and wholesalers in the Argentinean domestic market.

Today, they manage the production of cherries on 50 hectares distributed mainly in the areas of Luján de Cuyo and Valle de Uco, located in the province of Mendoza. The most cultivated cherry varieties are Royal Dawn, Brooks, Nimba, Pacific Red, Santina and Lapins, among others.

Engineer Nicolás Güizzo adds that "in the last few years, the company has been making an important reconversion towards cultivation with new varieties of early production, with the idea of being able to anticipate the start of the harvest to the 41st week in Mendoza in a few years".

He also stated that "trials are being carried out with varieties with low winter chilling requirements in a non-traditional area for the cherry tree such as the north-west of Argentina, where we believe that in about four years we could harvest cherries during the 40th and 41st week.

"We are very focused on bringing forward the start of the harvest season to the first half of October, as the consumer markets are practically free of this seductive fruit," he concludes

Source: Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A

Images: Güizzo Frutas Frescas S.A


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

South Australian cherries: late season brings quality fruit and sharp prices

Markets

03 Feb 2026

South Australia's cherry season kicked off later than usual due to a cooler spring, but January is delivering an excellent harvest of large, sweet and juicy cherries. Strong competition with Victorian growers and attractive prices are boosting demand across summer markets.

Chilean research evaluates the effects of biostimulants on Santina varieties

Quality

27 May 2024

The research evaluated the effect of the product Botan Foliar on fruit production and quality in Santina variety cherry trees grafted on Colt rootstock. Product applications and evaluations were carried out during the spring of the 2023-24 season.

In evidenza

Godoleshi in Elbasan, the heartland of Albanian cherry cultivation

Specialties

21 Sep 2026

In Godolesh, Elbasan, Albania’s cherry harvest supports the local economy through a native variety, strong demand and favorable prices. The return of farmers from migration highlights a sustainable agricultural model rooted in quality, tradition and local opportunity.

Cherries: management, a cool head and quick decisions

Tech management

21 Sep 2026

The 2025-2026 season confirms a new balance for Chilean cherries: lower returns, quality and sizing, tighter cost control and greater efficiency are now essential for growers seeking to protect margins, productivity and competitiveness in a more selective export market.

Tag Popolari