News about Press Review

Genomics and cherries: the race is on in Jerte to develop new varieties better suited to the market

Breeding

16 Apr 2026

Genomics is accelerating cherry breeding in Spain’s Jerte Valley: Cicytex and local cooperatives launch a 2026-2030 project to identify new varieties faster, analysing 1,000 trees and 110 cultivars in one of Europe’s leading modern cherry-growing regions.

With a price of €80 per kilo, selling the first cherries remains a challenge

Markets

10 Apr 2026

The first Spanish greenhouse cherries reach the European market with very limited volumes and prices up to €80/kg. Strong demand from the Netherlands, Scandinavia and the UK, while the open-field season may start later than usual, impacting exports.

Cherry Levy: an Australian project to monitor cherry quality

Quality

10 Apr 2026

Cherry maturity monitoring in Australia analyzed over 2,000 samples across Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. 92% exceeded the 15° Brix threshold, providing a solid benchmark to define quality standards and support future decision-making across the industry.

New case of the illegal propagation of the Tip Top cherry variety

Varieties

09 Apr 2026

In Chile, a nursery in Molina was sanctioned for illegally propagating the Tip-Top cv. cherry without an ANA Chile® license. SAG ordered the seizure of the material, later destroyed by court order, as controls tighten across the cherry supply chain.

The harvest of early cherries in the Ebro Valley will begin in mid-April

Production

06 Apr 2026

In Spain’s Ebro Valley, early cherry harvest will start on April 15. Covered crops show resilience despite unstable weather, while uncertainty remains for mid and late varieties due to rain and wind during flowering.

Dark-skinned cherries: a boon for gut and brain health

Health

03 Apr 2026

Dark sweet cherries improve gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, and support memory and focus. Scientific studies highlight benefits for metabolism and cognitive health, especially in higher-risk individuals and widespread metabolic conditions, with growing scientific validation.

Mercadona’s cherries: the Spanish company is investing heavily in domestic produce

Markets

02 Apr 2026

Mercadona strengthens its 2026 cherry campaign with over 6,000 tonnes of Spanish fruit, doubling volumes. A strategy focused on short supply chains, national growers and price stability, supporting key cherry-producing regions across Spain during the season market growth.

A sweet success: the story behind the chocolate-covered cherries

Processed

02 Apr 2026

The story of Tibbenham Chocolates in West Virginia shows how a passion for chocolate-covered cherries became a thriving local business, driven by steady growth, WV SBDC support, and a strong economic impact in Barboursville and across the state, boosting local jobs and production

USDA proposes new rules for Washington sweet cherries: larger sizes and updated packaging

Quality

26 Mar 2026

USDA proposes new marketing rules for Washington sweet cherries: higher minimum size requirements, exceptions for Rainier and Royal Anne, updated packaging categories, and more aligned standards to support grower profitability and access to crop insurance.

Jerte Valley in bloom: PDO Cereza del Jerte looks ahead to a strong season

Production

24 Mar 2026

Jerte Valley turns white with blossom as PDO Cereza del Jerte begins the season on a positive note: expectations are for 10 million kilos of certified cherries and between 2 and 3 million kilos of picota, pointing to an encouraging start for the campaign.