Puglia on alert: April frost cuts cherry harvest in half

02 May 2025
515

Apulia, the Italian queen of cherries, is facing an unexpected weather event that risks upsetting the season. In June, the Apulian production could in fact be cut by 50% due to late frosts that hit the area, especially in the Bari province.

A hard blow for the local producers, in particular for the famous Ferrovia variety.

A season that started well, but with an uncertain future

Despite the promising start of the cherry campaign, with excellent quality and prices 10% above average, the near future looks difficult. Nicola Giuliano, head of Giuliano Puglia Fruit, does not hide his concern: “Inspections in the late-production fields do not look promising.

The early April frost burned the pistils of the flowers, severely compromising the harvests, especially of the Ferrovia, our flagship for the second part of the season.”

The first forecasts speak of at least a 50% loss in the production expected in June, but losses could even exceed this threshold.

A changing market: less quantity, higher prices

However, the campaign had started with positive signals. Early varieties, such as Bigarreaux, showed good size and excellent quality, pushing prices up to 10% above the seasonal average.

Giuliano explains: “As long as we stay in the first half of May, there will be no problems. From mid-May onwards we expect a slight drop in prices with the increase in consumption.”

Looking at June, the picture is more complex: lower quantities but larger sizes and probably higher prices. A scenario that could favor, commercially speaking, national competitors from Northern Italy (Emilia Romagna and Veneto) and foreign players like Turkey and Greece, ready to capture part of the European demand.

A look to the future

The Apulian case highlights the vulnerability of crops to climate change and the increasing weather unpredictability.

For Italy and Europe, it will become increasingly crucial to invest in varietal research and agronomic techniques capable of protecting crops from extreme events.

The challenge is open: to protect the agricultural heritage without giving up the quality that distinguishes made in Italy.

Source: corriereortofrutticolo.it

Image: SL Fruit Service 


Cherry Times - All rights reserved

What to read next

Cherry tree fly: the relationship between insect numbers and damage rates

Crop protection

17 Sep 2024

The aim of the survey conducted at the Faculty of Agriculture of Igdir University (Turkey) was to investigate the relationships between the presence of adult insects and the incidence of damage on the fruit, in order to facilitate effective management of this insect.

Managing nutrient deficiencies in crops on calcareous soils

Tech management

06 Sep 2024

Depending on the severity of the deficiency, these nutrient deficiencies can reduce yield and fruit size. Severe deficiency can lead to the drying of shoots and even the death of the tree. Visual deficiency symptoms are similar for iron, zinc, and manganese.

In evidenza

Little Cherry Disease threatens cherry orchards in Washington State: growers speak out

Crop protection

22 Aug 2025

Little Cherry Disease (LCD) is damaging cherry orchards across Washington State, with growers reporting severe losses. Tree removals and bitter, undersized fruit are symptoms of this threat—comparable to citrus greening (HLB) in Florida’s citrus industry.

Organic fertilizers and compost: sustainable growth in organic orchards in Puglia

Tech management

22 Aug 2025

In Puglia, research on organic orchards highlights how compost and organic fertilizers boost yield, improve soil health, and enhance plant resilience. A sustainable approach that supports Mediterranean organic farming while delivering environmental and agronomic benefits.

Tag Popolari