Cherries Glamour from Spain in 3 days kick off Europe’s first harvest

21 Mar 2025
1539

In a few days, the harvest of the first cherries of the Spanish season will begin in the Valle del Río Cinca: the exclusive Cherries Glamour.

Óscar Ortiz, commercial director of the Cinca group, proudly confirms this, highlighting how their company has been a pioneer in producing the very first European cherries for over twenty years.

"We are the only company in the Northern Hemisphere to start harvesting as early as the second half of March," he says.

A promising season

This year, the harvest will start on March 24, slightly later than last season, but with a more abundant yield: from last year’s 60 tons (60,000 kg), production will rise to 80 tons (80,000 kg), with excellent quality fruit.

"We have learned a lot over the years, thanks to trials, errors, and constant innovations in research and development.

This has allowed us to remain unique in Spain in producing ultra-early cherries in greenhouses," explains Ortiz.

Cherries Glamour: technology and passion

The Cherries Glamour, now a brand recognized throughout Europe, come from cherry tree varieties grown in controlled climate conditions.

"We manage light and temperature in our modern multi-capillary greenhouses, fully climate-controlled, to ensure optimal ripening, as if the fruits were growing outdoors," says Ortiz.

The result? Brighter cherries with an exceptional flavor, free from damage caused by wind and bad weather.

"Our secret lies not only in technology but also in the passion of the people who started this project in 2000," Ortiz emphasizes.

"It has been years of learning, trials, and errors, but thanks to this journey, we have managed to implement innovative solutions in research and development that allow us to be the only Spanish company producing ultra-early cherries in greenhouses."

European markets and future prospects

The first cherries will reach the main European gourmet markets as early as next week.

In the second part of the season, expected in May, cherries grown outdoors on the 450 hectares (4.5 km²) cared for by the farmers of Río Cinca will also arrive.

"We start with great prices, between €80 and €90 per kilo, and we have already received strong interest from all over Europe for our cherries," reveals Ortiz.

"This has driven us to expand production: we currently have about 80,000 m² (8 hectares) of greenhouses in operation and are building another 30,000 m² (3 hectares) for the upcoming seasons."

"Many companies in Europe, Israel, and Chile have tried to copy us, but Río Cinca remains the producer of the year’s first cherries in the Northern Hemisphere," Óscar Ortiz concludes proudly.

Source: FreshPlaza.es

Image source: FreshPlaza.es


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Biostimulants based on Ecklonia maxima and glycine betaine for enhancing cherry quality

Quality

22 Nov 2024

A recent study from Portugal and Denmark focused on the effects of two biostimulants: glycine betaine and an extract derived from the seaweed Ecklonia maxima. These biostimulants were applied to sweet cherry cultivars “Early Bigi” and “Lapins” grafted onto SL-64 rootstock.

Microbial antagonists for the biocontrol of post-harvest diseases

Post-harvest​

09 Apr 2025

A Spanish study demonstrates the effectiveness of yeasts and antagonistic bacteria combined with sodium bicarbonate for the biocontrol of post-harvest rot in cherries and plums. A sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides, ideal for modern agriculture.

In evidenza

Germany: sour cherry production up, but cultivated area shrinks

Production

06 Oct 2025

In 2025, Germany’s sour cherry harvest rose to 9,800 tons, a 31.3% increase over the weak 2024 season. Yet the cultivated area shrank to 1,500 hectares, 25% less than a decade ago, highlighting challenges and casting doubts on the long-term future of sour cherry farming.

Chilean cherry industry faces challenges and revival: quality and innovation in focus

Events

06 Oct 2025

Issue 155 of Redagrícola explores the future of Chilean cherries with expert interviews, crop management strategies, postharvest techniques, and a strong focus on quality—key factors to stay competitive in global markets and face the upcoming challenges of the industry.

Tag Popolari