Mercadona bets on 8,500 tons of Aragon cherries for the 2025 season

29 May 2025
1952

Summer has a distinct flavor for Mercadona: that of Aragonese cherries. The retail giant plans to purchase 11,000 tons of Spanish cherries, of which 77% comes from the orchards of Aragón.

The national cherry campaign started in May and will last until July, but the leading role is already clear: Aragón. The region will supply Mercadona with 8,500 tons of fruit, a sharp increase from last year’s 6,900 (+23%).

A result that strengthens the position of the autonomous community as the main cherry supplier for the Valencian chain, thanks to excellent climatic conditions and the recognized quality of the local product.

Confidence grows: more cherries, more jobs

The strengthening of the campaign is not just a matter of volumes. Two key companies in the area – SAT Vidrio and Summer Fruit – will be responsible for supply and logistics, generating around 3,000 direct jobs in the production areas.

A positive impact that goes far beyond the agricultural chain, contributing to the economic and social vitality of rural areas.

During the peak months, Mercadona supermarkets will offer Aragonese cherries in two formats: 500 grams, for practical and quick consumption, and 1 kilogram, ideal for families and available from June to July.

Natural sweetness and nutritional value

The cherries selected by Mercadona stand out for their intense color, crisp texture and sweet taste, as highlighted by Pablo García, the company’s fruit expert.

It’s not just about flavor: “Cherries are a valuable source of vitamins C and A, potassium and fiber, which aid digestion and are good for health,” explains García.

The Aragonese climate, with cold winters and hot summers, favors the ripening of varieties rich in natural sugars, increasingly appreciated by those seeking a quality, local and traceable product.

From harvesting to distribution, the entire process is subject to rigorous controls to ensure freshness and flavor at the time of purchase.

A supply chain model

Mercadona’s cherry strategy is part of a stable collaboration model with the Spanish primary sector. In 2024, the company invested 29 billion euros in national products, marking an 8% increase over the previous year.

85% of its assortment comes from local suppliers, benefiting the sustainability and competitiveness of the entire supply chain.

In addition, Mercadona adheres to the Code of Good Commercial Practices, promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, to ensure fair and transparent commercial relationships.

Cherries starring in the summer

The 2025 cherry campaign is a concrete example of how working in synergy with the territory can generate value at all levels: from the land to the consumer.

For Mercadona, the Aragonese cherry is more than a seasonal fruit: it is a symbol of quality, sustainability, and trust in local production.

Source: Aragondigital

Image source: Mercadona; Aragona Digital


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Sweet cherries: new genes discovered in China reveal color and stress secrets

Breeding

04 Sep 2025

A Chinese study on the sweet cherry Tieton genome reveals the key role of unique genes and flavonoids in plant development, stress resistance, and evolution. The analysis identified 85 specialized metabolites and 1100 genes crucial for fruit quality and adaptation.

Success for the fifth Global Cherry Summit: market scenarios and projections for the 2025 season from Chile

Events

15 May 2024

Over 1,400 participants from various national and international industry sectors gathered for the fifth Global Cherry Summit, which was attended by a large Chinese delegation, including the Chinese Ambassador to Chile, Niu Qingbao.

In evidenza

Royal Ann revival: Oregon growers return to cherry processing in Columbia Gorge

Specialties

29 Jan 2026

In Oregon’s Columbia Gorge, growers are reviving Royal Ann cherry orchards for processing. With lower risks and stable returns, this approach brings back a historic fruit industry focused on maraschino, glacé, and ingredient-grade cherries in the U.S. market.

The AKR gene family in sweet cherry: molecular bases of tolerance to abiotic stresses

Breeding

29 Jan 2026

A genomic study identifies 38 AKR genes in sweet cherry, key to drought, salinity, and hormonal stress responses. The findings offer new opportunities for breeding resilient cultivars, vital for climate adaptation and increased crop stability and yield.

Tag Popolari