News about Italy

Problems and prospects for cherry growing in northern Italy: -15% of production in 15 years

Quality

15 May 2024

Italy continues to lose positions in the ranking of the largest cherry producers in the world. Currently, the beautiful country is in seventh place, surpassed by Spain and chased by Greece. In just three five-year periods, national production has dropped by 15%.

The Somma dei Monti Lattari Cherry is the new Slow Food Presidium of Campania region (IT)

Specialties

13 May 2024

One of the unique traditions is the art of ‘bagging’ the cherries, arranged in a pyramid shape to prolong their freshness. The cherry harvest runs from the end of May to July and culminates in the annual festival in Borgo di Castello, scheduled from 14 to 16 June.

At Vivai Battistini the ribbon was cut for VitroLeaf, Europe's largest propagation laboratory

Events

08 May 2024

Not a simple laboratory but a true vertical farm animated by robots that speed up work thanks to production in a sterile environment. Paolo Laghi explains the novelty of this innovation to Cherry Times.

In Apulia (IT), early harvest for the Bigarreau variety

Production

30 Apr 2024

Giacomo Giotta, owner of the eponymous company in Conversano, is preparing to start harvesting the Bigarreau variety next weekend, about two weeks earlier than last year. Yields seem to be higher, with an increase of 20-25%.

Growth in world trade over the last ten years shows over 900,000 tonnes and +266% growth

Markets

24 Apr 2024

From 2013 to 2022, world production increased from 2.3 to 2.75 million tonnes, while trade flows rose from 350,000 to 940,000 tonnes, an increase of 266%. The value of traded goods reached a record 4.3 billion euro.

Sammichele di Bari (IT): the turning point for local cherry farming at the 1st National Cherry Tree Conference

Events

23 Apr 2024

The event marked a turning point, offering an opportunity for reflection and discussion among the various actors involved. Mayor Lorenzo Netti emphasised the importance of the cherry as a symbol of the territory, not only economically but also culturally.

Season 2024: Expectations for the season after an early start

Production

18 Apr 2024

In Apulia they are preparing for an early blossoming, kicking off the 2024 cherry season. According to Maurizio Simone (Doctor Farmer agronomic office), one of the main reasons for this unevenness in flowering could be the lack of cold weather.

Apulian producers' optimism for an early campaign

Production

11 Apr 2024

"It promises to be a very good campaign," says Michele Laporta, president of Op Agritalia. "This year the season is starting much earlier, mainly due to the favourable weather. In any case, it will all depend on the weather in the coming days".

Apulian cherries, a season that seems to be under a good star

Production

09 Apr 2024

The 2024 Apulian cherry season seems to be promising: there is a climate of confidence and positivity among operators in Apulia. According to RICA, the Agricultural Accounting Information Network, Apulia is worth 30% of Italy's cherry production.

Forecasts and data for the 2023/2024 EU season from the USDA's stone fruit report

Consumption Markets

21 Dec 2023

The outlook for the 2023/24 season is worrying, with an expected 21% decrease in total cherry production due to adverse weather conditions, such as frost and heavy rains, which have affected flowering and fruit set in several countries, particularly Poland and Italy.