Portrait of a sweet cherry breeder: Gregorio Lopez-Ortega
18 Jan 2024
n this article, José Quero García, member of the technical-scientific committee of Cherry Times, interviewed Gregorio Lopez-Ortega, breeder at the Chilean company Hortifrut.
With the arrival of the 17th week of 2025, the European cherry market is coming to life thanks to a significant increase in volumes from Spanish greenhouses. This is reported by Van Ooijen Citrus, a Dutch company that received the first shipments of Spanish cherries about three weeks ago and has now received the first full pallet of the Coral variety as larger harvests begin.
From the greenhouses of Río Cinca
The cherries distributed by Van Ooijen Citrus come from Río Cinca, a supplier located between the Pyrenees and the Spanish coast, an area characterized by an ideal microclimate that allows for earlier production compared to other areas of the Northern Hemisphere.
Thanks to these climatic advantages, the Spanish company has announced ambitious expansion plans, intending to double the surface area dedicated to cherry cultivation in the coming years.
Falling prices
As often happens when supply increases, prices have dropped significantly. "At the beginning, with the market still empty, we manage to sell the first crates at high prices, around 75 euros/kg," says Lucien Ruiter from Van Ooijen Citrus.
"Now, however, prices are around 35 euros/kg." A physiological drop, considering the increase in available quantities.
Hailstorms and rain
Despite the hailstorm that hit parts of Spain over the past weekend, the cherry harvest has sustained only limited damage.
"The hail mainly affected apricots; no significant damage is reported for cherries. In fact, thanks to the abundant rainfall in recent weeks, we expect a very promising season," explains Ruiter.
Easter boosts demand
Cherry demand surged in the days leading up to Easter, driven by increased interest in premium products for the holiday period.
Van Ooijen Citrus distributes its cherries, packaged under the Cherries Glamour brand in elegant 1.5 kg boxes, mainly to Dutch exporters supplying high-end markets such as the Middle East and Scandinavia.
Cherry specialists
Despite its name suggesting citrus, Van Ooijen Citrus has over the years specialized in the cherry sector. "Our season starts with Chilean cherries, followed by Spanish ones.
When the harvest begins in the Netherlands, in mid-June, we focus on local production and end the year with fruit from Moldova," concludes Lucien Ruiter.
An example of an integrated and flexible strategy that shows how adaptability is key to meeting global consumption trends, even in the fruit and vegetable sector.
Source text and image: freshplaza.it
