For Macfrut 2023 it was an honour to host during the WS cherry tree Prof. Marlene Ayala of the Catholic University of Chile, the person in charge of the main genetic improvement project on the cherry tree, started in 2010 and carried out in the largest cherry exporting country in the world, as well as the third largest cherry producer in the world and, so far at least, among the first importers of technological and varietal innovations.
Thanks to PMGC, the breeding programme supported by ASOEX - Consorcio Tecnologico de la Fruta and CORFO, a group of Chilean fruit producers and exporters, by 2030 Chile will be able to grow its own varieties and, probably, start exporting not only cherries but also new plant patents!
Below is the video of the report presented at Macfrut 2023.
The Jerte PDO closes its 2025 season with 1.3 million kg certified, surpassing the previous year. The campaign was led by picota cherries, supported by new varieties such as Lapins, Burlat and Van, which extended the market season and boosted the PDO’s visibility worldwide.
The Verona Hills Cherry launches the 2025 season with a high-quality production. Coldiretti confirms size standards, pushes for Igp recognition, and calls for fair import rules. Local cherry farming still faces important structural and climate-related challenges.
Rainfall in south-central Chile is raising the risk of fungal and bacterial diseases in orchards. INIA Quilamapu warns that cherry, blueberry, pome fruit and grapevine crops are vulnerable, highlighting monitoring, preventive measures and the removal of infected timber.
In Argentina, Jujuy’s temperate valleys bring cherry harvests forward to late September. Low-chill varieties reach 25-29 °Brix, creating new commercial and export opportunities and arriving 15-20 days ahead of production in Mendoza, Argentina, and Chile’s Coquimbo region.