Davide Nari, Valentina Roera
Agrion – Foundation for Research, Innovation and Technological Development of Piedmontese Agriculture
The cherry tree is undergoing a period of major innovation across all components of its production process.
A true revolution in planting systems is underway; new varieties are increasingly being adopted, characterized by large size, sweet flesh, low acidity, and high firmness.
In addition, new materials are being developed that significantly extend the harvesting calendar by 15–20 days compared to current reference cultivars.
New low-vigor rootstocks are spreading, enabling the development of new training systems in wall form and, consequently, the adoption of new management techniques, including the use of precision machinery.
According to the European Union: Stone Fruit Annual report by the Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) – USDA, the European cherry orchard area covers 165,000 hectares, with an upward trend over the last four years (figure 1).
The leading cherry-producing country is Poland, which produced approximately 200,000 tons in the 2023/24 season, followed by Spain with 110,000, Greece with 70,000, and Italy with 50,000 tons.
[...]
Want to know more? The full article is reserved for subscribers to the Cherry Times newsletter! Sign up for free to receive each new exclusive in-depth article directly in your inbox and stay up-to-date with quality advice and analysis. Don't miss this unique opportunity!
Sign up for free to the Cherry Times newsletter
25 Mar 2024
A recent study analyzed production costs and average margins of the main species in the Emilia-Romagna region. From the comparison it emerges that cherry trees confirm themselves as one of the few fruit species capable of achieving full economic sustainability.
28 May 2025
Record demand for Uzbek sour cherries: traders from Russia and Belarus relocate to secure direct supply. Spring frosts in Europe fuel demand as Uzbekistan targets record frozen fruit exports of premium quality, entering new markets and increasing its regional influence.
09 Jul 2026
In Jerte Valley sweet cherry orchards, irrigation, crop load, canopy and nutrition shape fruit quality, yield and cracking risk. Preharvest management supports adaptation to extreme climate events, rainfall, water stress, fruit wetness and evolving production demands.
09 Jul 2026
The extended BBCH scale provides a shared standard for describing fruit crop phenology, improving orchard management, research, cultivar comparison and adaptation strategies for climate variability, while supporting sustainable production and scientific communication.
