News about Italy

Vignola PGI cherries: the 2026 season is underway

Production

18 May 2026

Vignola PGI cherries begin the 2026 season with estimates of up to 50,000 quintals. Premium quality, rain protection systems and a new marketing campaign strengthen the brand’s positioning across mass retailers, specialist shops and Italian consumers until early July in Italy.

Apulian cherry season: rain and prices slow the start

Production

15 May 2026

In Apulia, the 2026 cherry season starts under pressure from rain, cracking, Bigarreau damage and falling prices. Early varieties are struggling, while growers and traders focus on Ferrovia cherries, crop covers and shared strategies to protect quality, income and market value.

Italian ceramics at a crossroads: real change is needed

Events

30 Apr 2026

The national cherry conference in Sammichele di Bari explores key challenges and future prospects of Apulia’s cherry sector, focusing on varietal innovation, climate change impacts and market strategies to improve competitiveness and supply chain sustainability.

The cherry industry and the quintessentially Italian art of standing still

Production

30 Mar 2026

The cherry supply chain in Apulia, the core of Italy’s production, is falling behind global competitors. Limited innovation, outdated varieties, and weak logistics are slowing growth, increasing the risk of losing international market share to more advanced producers.

Coverings in cherry orchards in Italy: effects on the microclimate and the physiology of the cherry tree

Covers

23 Mar 2026

Canopies in cherry orchards in Italy alter the microclimate, photosynthesis and water status of the cherry trees. The CHOICE study reveals effects on temperature, light and VPD, with implications for yield and quality. Analysis and findings to optimise the management of modern or

Toschi Vignola leads Southern Italy with 51% Amarena share

Processed

02 Mar 2026

Toschi Vignola reaches a 51% volume share of amarena cherries in Puglia, Campania and Sicily between October 2024 and September 2025. Sales rise 26% in Campania and share grows 33% in Sicily, according to Circana data across hypermarkets, supermarkets and self-service stores.

Multifunctional cherry covers: CHOICE project results from Emilia-Romagna

Events

26 Jan 2026

CHOICE project reveals the impact of multifunctional cherry covers on orchard microclimate and crop performance. The study, tested in Emilia-Romagna, offers a science-based approach developed by leading Italian universities for smarter cherry farming strategies.

Late mountain cherries, Melinda and Vip relaunch Trentino fruit farming

Production

08 Jan 2026

Melinda and Vip join forces to relaunch late-season mountain cherries in Trentino. A new alliance to enhance local production with a single brand, focusing on quality, sustainability and a response to the climatic and production crisis in the cherry industry.

The revival of cherry growing in Puglia also involves new forms of cultivation.

Planting systems

31 Dec 2025

Cherry trees in Puglia are holding their own amid crisis and innovation: new rootstocks, cultivation methods such as multi-axis vase pruning, and technical strategies promise productivity, quality, and sustainability, reviving southern cherry cultivation.

Vignola renews its consortia: Lenzarini and Cavani lead the fruit sector forward

Specialties

06 Nov 2025

Vignola's fruit consortia renew leadership after Andrea Bernardi's passing. Lenzarini and Cavani take over, aiming for continuity, innovation and unity while enhancing the territory and supporting IGP cherries and plums across the local agri-food system.