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Will the heatwave put an end to the cherry harvest? Polish growers are coming to terms with their losses

Production

14 Aug 2026

Poland’s Łutówka sour cherry harvest is nearing its end, while processors have raised prices only slightly. Growers say returns remain below production costs, raising concerns about the future of investment in orchards, modern machinery, crop protection and fertilisers.

In Ukraine, industrial cherry processing plants are attracting growing interest

Planting systems

14 Aug 2026

Interest in industrial cherry orchards is growing in Ukraine as demand, prices and mechanized harvesting shape growers’ decisions. Stable yields, regional competition and access to processing are becoming major factors for profitability and new investments in the sector.

How best to preserve the quality of cherries: a comparison between MAP and controlled atmosphere storage

Post-harvest​

13 Aug 2026

The study compares MAP and controlled atmosphere storage for Rainier, Bing, Skeena and Sweetheart sweet cherries, assessing firmness, stem quality, weight loss and postharvest disorders to identify effective strategies for maintaining fruit quality for long-term storage.

The next cherry season begins straight after the harvest

Tech management

13 Aug 2026

Effective sweet cherry postharvest management protects the canopy, reduces heat stress and restores tree reserves. Balanced irrigation, selective summer pruning and targeted nutrition prepare trees for dormancy while supporting bloom, fruit set and next season’s crop.

Polish producers alert consumer organisations: suspected price manipulation of cherries

Markets

13 Aug 2026

In Poland, industrial sour cherry prices are falling despite a smaller crop. The Fruit Growers Association has asked UOKiK to urgently investigate possible coordination among processors, pressure on collection centres and pricing practices affecting growers during the harvest.

Pigmentation variability in sour cherry: fruit color does not reflect genetic relatedness

Breeding

12 Aug 2026

A study of 27 Hungarian and international sour cherry cultivars examines genetics, anthocyanins and fruit pigmentation. Results show that fruit colour depends mainly on gene expression and regulators such as MYB10, rather than on overall genetic relatedness among cultivars.

Technical update on branching strategies in cherry orchards

Tech management

12 Aug 2026

In Chile, effective cherry tree branching can accelerate fruit production and improve yield potential. Hydrogen cyanamide, Promalin, gibberellic acid and targeted bud treatments help stimulate healthy, uniform lateral branches and support efficient orchard development.

Thermosonication preserves sweet cherry quality during cold storage

Post-harvest​

11 Aug 2026

Thermosonication improves postharvest storage of sweet cherries by reducing decay, weight loss and oxidation. The treatment preserves firmness, vitamin C and flavonoids, while strengthening antioxidant defenses and maintaining fruit quality for 12 days at 4 °C.

The harvest of Jerte PDO cherries has yielded 7.5 million kg of certified produce

Production

11 Aug 2026

The Jerte Cherry PDO closes a very positive season, with 5 million kg of cherries and 2.5 million kg of certified picota. High quality, new varieties and strong European sales reinforce the value and identity of the local cherry supply chain, protected by the Jerte PDO.

Cherries are bringing satisfaction to British growers

Production

11 Aug 2026

UK cherry sales rose 14.7% in value and 8.6% in volume, strengthening confidence in British-grown fruit. Investments in protected production, orchard management and new genetics are improving quality and consistency despite volatile weather and rising labour costs.