In 2024, cherry production faced numerous challenges due to climate conditions, that affected both the amount and the quality of the harvest. Late frosts, heavy rains, and other weather-related events put significant pressure on growers, drastically reducing production in some cases. Despite these challenges, the demand for cherries remained high, with prices rising especially for premium-quality fruit.
In this complex scenario, UNITEC technologies have provided a decisive solution for the industry. Advanced systems like Cherry Vision 3.0 and 3.5 AI have revolutionized the way cherries are selected and sorted. Thanks to the use of artificial intelligence, these technologies allow to detect external defects with extreme precision, such as imperfections in the skin or variations in color and shape, ensuring that only high-quality fruit is delivered to the market.
Additionally, with the use of cutting-edge sensors, UNITEC’s sorting systems can also analyze the internal parameters of cherries, thus maximizing the value of every single fruit. Indeed, with UNIQ Cherry, it is possible to detect ripeness and firmness, further enhancing the effectiveness of the sorting process.
These innovative solutions enable fruit packing houses to significantly boost operational margins, drastically reduce labor costs, and entering new markets by offering consistent quality to their Customers—a key factor in building trust between the parties.
Thanks to these advanced technologies, all developed in-house by UNITEC’s R&D department at their headquarters in Italy, producers are better equipped to handle climate challenges while maintaining a high level of competitiveness. They can bring guaranteed quality cherries to market, even under adverse weather conditions.
24 Oct 2024
Thirty-two ‘Staccato’ plots located in the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia were selected, representing a range of growing conditions in the BC interior. Thirty-one of the blocks were on Mazzard rootstock and one on Colt rootstock.
Markets Production Press review
06 Dec 2023
According to Faostat, total cherry production in the world reached 2,765,827 tons in 2022. Turkey ranked first in cherry production with 656,041 tons, followed by Chile and Uzbekistan.
13 Jan 2026
Aqueous spot in Burlat sweet cherries in Spain reduces fruit quality and market value. Research from the Jerte Valley shows physiological damage, pigment depletion and a visible–NIR optical signature that enables non‑destructive detection of affected fruit.
13 Jan 2026
The 2025 cherry season in the Pacific Northwest saw high prices and excess volumes. At Yakima's Cherry Institute 2026, the industry gathers to discuss strategies, market dynamics, export challenges and future crop timing. A turning point for U.S. cherry growers.
