"The super millionaire fruits of the Alma Mater": this is how Corriere della Sera headlined years ago when announcing the results obtained by researchers from the Department of Agri-food Sciences and Technologies of the University of Bologna on the cherry tree genetic improvement project: the seven Sweet® sisters, the new varieties named after the children or loved ones of their inventors.
A team led by Stefano Lugli who, starting from old indigenous varieties, the famous Duroni di Vignola, bearers of valuable traits such as sweetness, texture and aroma, has been able to combine these virtues with others, such as beauty, size and productivity, taking them from varieties of American origin.
Below, the report by Bettina Riedel, variety manager of UNIBO, presented at the seminar on cherry variety innovation at Macfrut 2023. Precisely at Macfrut, ten years ago, the Sweet® varieties made their debut winning, among others, the Oscar prize for innovation.
15 Jul 2024
100% of Vip cherries have GlobalGap certification. Reinhard Ladurner, the Consortium's cherry sales manager, emphasises: 'GlobalGap has become a passport to the market by fulfilling the demand for sustainability and product safety certification.
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.
29 Sep 2026
After a difficult season, Chile aims to relaunch its cherries in China through higher quality, reputation management and new commercial strategies. The industry is also looking to India and the United States, while rebuilding consumer trust remains the main priority.
29 Sep 2026
Peru is assessing the potential for cherry production in high-altitude Andean areas, where climate, low-chill varieties and improved logistics could support the first commercial harvests and pave the way for future exports to high-value Asian markets such as China.
