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Jerte Valley: cherry harvest gets underway – high quality and exports on the horizon

Production

27 Apr 2026

The Jerte Valley cherry harvest starts with 18,000–20,000 tons expected, high quality and European exports from May. Awaiting China market opening in a season marked by promotion, automation and unstable logistics costs affecting growers and supply chains.

Tasmania cherries hit export record in 2025/26 season driven by Asia demand

Production

27 Apr 2026

Tasmania closes the 2025/26 cherry season with export values nearing $50 million, driven by strong Asian demand and higher prices. Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan lead growth, reinforcing the premium positioning of Tasmanian cherries globally.

The new bicolor variety Cheery Glow is gaining ground in Chile: the rollout begins with 200 hectares

Varieties

24 Apr 2026

Cheery Glow, Bloom Fresh’s early cherry, is expanding in Chile with 200 hectares. Low chill requirement, high quality and up to 60 days storage make it ideal for export to China, Europe and the United States, helping growers face climate challenges and competitive global markets.

The Paclife conference on cherries: integration is needed between science, post-harvest handling and the market

Events

24 Apr 2026

Paclife Conference 2026 focuses on cherries, postharvest, automation and global markets, highlighting how data, innovation and integrated logistics are crucial drivers to ensure quality, competitiveness and value across the Chilean and international export supply chain.

Sterile Insect Technique in Drosophila suzukii: bisexual releases do not compromise control efficacy

Crop protection

24 Apr 2026

The sterile insect technique (SIT) applied to Drosophila suzukii shows that bisexual releases can match male-only strategies in reducing fertility. The findings highlight opportunities to lower costs and improve sustainable protection in cherry and fruit crop systems.

The Corette® rootstock series opens up new opportunities for cherry cultivation in Spain

Rootstocks

23 Apr 2026

Corette® rootstocks by Agromillora show strong adaptability to Mediterranean soils in Spain. Trials highlight good yields, early production and suitability for intensive orchards, improving efficiency, fruit quality and long-term sustainability.

Supporting Tasmanian cherry growers in adapting to climate change

Covers

23 Apr 2026

A Tasmanian research project examines how rain covers alter orchard microclimates, analysing impacts on cherry quality, yield and tree growth. Findings will help growers manage hotter summers, extreme rainfall events and the increasing challenges of climate change.

IPS is promoting a growers' club to manage cherry varieties

Varieties

22 Apr 2026

International Plant Selection launches the ZIC club to exclusively manage Zaiger Genetics cherry varieties in Europe. France, Spain and Murcia are involved, as climate change accelerates the need for new cherry cultivars that are more resilient, productive and adaptable.

Chile and Spain: the cherry battle in China

Markets

22 Apr 2026

Chile strengthens its dominance in cherry exports to China, but the 2025–2026 season shows a price drop of over 30%. Spain’s entry into the Asian market introduces new competition, as demand remains strong but the product’s positioning continues to evolve.

Biotechnological strategies for Drosophila suzukii control: advances, limitations, and future perspectives

Crop protection

21 Apr 2026

Drosophila suzukii is a major invasive pest of soft fruits, causing significant economic losses. A study evaluates sterile insect technique, viral biocontrol and RNAi, assessing effectiveness, limits and future perspectives for sustainable pest management strategies.