"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.
Consumption Events Markets Varieties
08 Sep 2023
Considering the economic importance that cherry cultivation is gaining in China, the breeding sector is also actively working to release new cultivars. National institutions are collaborating to achieve this goal, with 60 new cultivars released and 300 selections under study.
21 May 2025
China leads global cherry consumption, but Chilean exports face challenges from domestic economy, competition, food safety perceptions and social media pressure. The industry reflects on innovative strategies to protect its reputation and secure future growth.
14 Aug 2026
Poland’s Łutówka sour cherry harvest is nearing its end, while processors have raised prices only slightly. Growers say returns remain below production costs, raising concerns about the future of investment in orchards, modern machinery, crop protection and fertilisers.
14 Aug 2026
Interest in industrial cherry orchards is growing in Ukraine as demand, prices and mechanized harvesting shape growers’ decisions. Stable yields, regional competition and access to processing are becoming major factors for profitability and new investments in the sector.
