Apulia (Italy), greenhouse cherries: 2025 harvest begins late but with excellent quality

16 Apr 2025
1474

The 2025 harvest of early cherries grown in greenhouses has officially begun today, April 16th, in Apulia, albeit with a slight delay compared to the initial schedule. The climatic conditions of the past few weeks—marked by below-average temperatures, frequent rainfall, and limited sunlight—have slowed the growth and ripening processes of the fruit.

A delayed start, but no setbacks

Industry professionals had originally planned to start harvesting in the very first days of April, hoping for a quicker seasonal transition. However, the combination of high humidity and low sunlight levels pushed operations back by over a week compared to 2024.

Despite the delay, the harvested product shows excellent quality, with average sizes around 28 mm, good sugar content, and a uniform coloration.

Perfect timing for Easter demand

Launching on the market just before Easter offers a strategic advantage: the first cherries immediately evoke the arrival of spring and always generate strong consumer interest.

The availability of an exclusive product during this time of year—coinciding with holidays and traditional Italian celebrations—helps maintain high prices and solid profit margins for producers.

Focused production, gradually increasing

Currently, harvesting covers about 3 hectares of greenhouses located in the Bisceglie area, in the province of Barletta-Andria-Trani. Initial volumes are limited, but an increase is expected starting from next week.

Fruit selection takes place on alternate days to ensure optimal ripeness and high quality standards.

A short and efficient supply chain

The harvest will be delivered to the Agritalia Producers' Organization and marketed exclusively by Giuliano Puglia Fruit, reinforcing an efficient supply chain focused on promoting high-quality products, both in domestic and export markets.

Looking ahead: greenhouse strategy

This slow start demonstrates the adaptability of Apulian agriculture in facing climatic variability while leveraging advanced cultivation technologies, such as greenhouses, to ensure consistency and quality.

In an increasingly competitive European context, Italy continues to stand out in the production of early cherries, thanks to efficient organizational models and growing attention to the needs of the premium market.

Text and image source: freshplaza.it


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

In Vignola (IT) a study against Drosophila suzukii to improve quality and sustainability

Crop protection

17 Apr 2024

Initial results show that the Attract & Kill strategy combined with multifunctional nets can reduce the use of insecticides while providing effective protection. The programme will continue in 2024 with the extension of the experimental field in Vignola.

Good start for Catalonia: quality and size even after climate problems

Production

21 May 2024

The weather factors mainly affected the first cherries of the year. The harvest will not reach its maximum production potential and will be around 8,700 tonnes out of a possible 9,500 tonnes, which is slightly above the average of the last five years.

In evidenza

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards in Washington State: growers speak out

Crop protection

22 Aug 2025

Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is damaging cherry orchards across Washington State, with growers reporting severe losses. Tree removals and bitter, undersized fruit are symptoms of this threat—comparable to citrus greening (HLB) in Florida’s citrus industry.

Organic fertilizers and compost: sustainable growth in organic orchards in Puglia

Tech management

22 Aug 2025

In Puglia, research on organic orchards highlights how compost and organic fertilizers boost yield, improve soil health, and enhance plant resilience. A sustainable approach that supports Mediterranean organic farming while delivering environmental and agronomic benefits.

Tag Popolari