Post-harvest problems: the challenges of the cherry industry
27 Feb 2025
With increasing demands for longer shelf life, parameters such as firmness, colour and dehydration of the stalk are crucial for product acceptance in international markets.

In the 2024/25 season, we are observing much higher fertility than seen from 2018 to 2023, which may lead to an abundant bloom. This is compounded by the fact that the potential size or caliber of the fruit is limited from the outset due to the increased number of flowers on the spurs.
On the other hand, we currently have favourable conditions in spring and, in addition to the good winter cold accumulation, we need to ensure good conditions at flowering time to ensure fruit set and achieve the expected yields...
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27 Feb 2025
With increasing demands for longer shelf life, parameters such as firmness, colour and dehydration of the stalk are crucial for product acceptance in international markets.
19 Jul 2024
The application of dormancy breakers is more important with a low winter cold accumulation, as it produces a loss of reserves and lower quality of flower buds, which results in lower pollen and egg viability, reducing fruit set.
17 Sep 2026
The new protocol opens China to South African cherries from the 2026/27 season. With 819 hectares planted, rising exports and a 2-3 week window before Chilean peak volumes, South Africa is targeting zero-tariff access, new investment and a stronger presence across Asia.
17 Sep 2026
In 2026, cherry production in the Yakima Valley and the U.S. Northwest is heading toward 17 million boxes. Lower volumes, firmer prices and solid demand support growers, while Rainier cherries face losses from spring frost, wind and rain. The market remains resilient.