Despite adverse weather conditions this year due to the El Niño phenomenon, Bloom Fresh, a company resulting from the merger of SNFL and IFG, successfully demonstrated the earliness of their new low-chill cherry varieties. They organized an event in Tabalí, in the Coquimbo region, to showcase these varieties, which managed to fruit even without the usual cold conditions and winter rest management.
In the Westfalia orchard, after a four-year testing period, one of their varieties called Cheery Crunch was harvested in week 43, without any cold accumulation or covering, proving to be earlier than traditional varieties like Brooks.
Interestingly, in the Tabalí area, the Valle Arriba company managed to harvest the Brooks variety in week 41, while the rest of the region had expected the harvest in weeks 42 and 43.
As part of their commitment to low-chill varieties, Bloom Fresh is exploring new cultivation areas, such as Arica in northern Chile and even in Brazil, where they are seeking suitable locations for these varieties that require around 200 hours of cold. They are investing in "test blocks" in these regions to assess feasibility.
Read the full article: RedagrÍcola
Images: RedagrÍcola, IFG
02 Aug 2024
Sebastián Rodríguez, commercial director of Verfrut, indicated: 'We plan to export 85 per cent of the total to China and 15 per cent to other markets. This is an increase in terms of volume, we should reach 3.5 million boxes compared to 2.2 million this year'.
04 Jun 2025
A study in Chile’s Maule region analyzes the impact of plastic covers on cherry trees: temperature, humidity, solar radiation and water use. The data help growers reduce abiotic stress and improve post-harvest management during warm and dry seasonal conditions.
24 Nov 2025
A field trial in Piedmont (Italy) confirms that Prohexadione-Ca reduces vegetative growth in Tip Top cherry trees and significantly increases fruit set, commercial yield, red skin coloration, and antioxidant content, improving orchard efficiency with Gisela 6 rootstock.
24 Nov 2025
In Vignola, cherries are a cultural emblem and IGP-certified excellence. While Puglia struggles with outdated methods, the Emilia region leads the way. This comparison reveals strengths and gaps in Italy’s cherry sector, aiming for growth and recognition abroad.
