News about Press Review

Robots and AI Bring Smarter Pruning to Apple, Cherry and Blueberry Orchards

Tech management

28 Oct 2025

Artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping pruning in orchards. Apples, cherries and blueberries are at the core of smart systems enhancing efficiency, precision and sustainability through sensors, AI algorithms, data analysis, and hyper-realistic digital tree models.

Argentina's 2025/26 cherry season at risk as Capci tones down export outlook

Markets

28 Oct 2025

Argentina’s 2025/26 cherry season begins with mixed signals. Capci warns of early fruit drop affecting export volumes. Despite good fruit quality, unstable weather and production issues may impact international shipments, pushing forecasts toward stability or slight decline.

U.S. cherry exports to China drop, but industry expands across Asia

Markets

27 Oct 2025

U.S. cherry exports to China dropped by 35% in 2025 due to tariffs, local competition and extreme weather. Despite setbacks, the industry remains resilient, boosting shipments to emerging Asian markets including Vietnam, India, Japan and Mexico to offset the decline.

Australia launches export plan: premium cherries target global markets

Markets

24 Oct 2025

Australia launches a new strategy to triple cherry exports by 2030, focusing on quality, premium markets, grower training and market access. Led by Hort Innovation, the plan aims to position Australian cherries as a top-tier product in international markets.

China opens to South Africa: green light for stonefruit, cherries and blueberries next

Markets

21 Oct 2025

South Africa signs a new stonefruit export protocol with China and sets its sights on blueberries and cherries. The agriculture minister invites Chinese plant health officials to inspect orchards and packhouses, aiming to launch exports starting from the upcoming commercial seaso

Chile kicks off cherry season in Norte Chico with Nimba: early harvest and standout size

Varieties

20 Oct 2025

Chile’s 2025 cherry season begins in Norte Chico with Nimba cv, harvested in week 42. Over 80% of the fruit exceeds 28 mm. With high productivity and low chill requirement, it’s a strategic choice to enter early markets and optimize exports.

OPTIMISTII: the green solution to Drosophila suzukii in European cherry orchards

Crop protection

20 Oct 2025

The OPTIMISTII project, led by INRAE, offers an innovative biological approach to tackle Drosophila suzukii in European cherry orchards by combining male sterilization techniques to reduce pest reproduction and minimize the use of chemical pesticides in fruit production.

Colchagua beats Ovalle: ultra-early cherries kick off 2025/26 season

Production

17 Oct 2025

Chile's 2025/26 cherry season starts with a surprise: Colchagua beats Ovalle with AG2, harvested on October 13. 3J and 4J-sized cherries are already on their way to China. Meanwhile, the north kicks off its harvest with Brooks and Nimba, determined not to fall behind.

Azerbaijan's cherry exports down 35% in first seven months of 2025

Markets

16 Oct 2025

From January to July 2025, Azerbaijan exported 16,740 tonnes of cherries, down 35% compared to the same period in 2024. Russia remains the top buyer, while imports surge with volumes from Iran, Russia, China, and the USA, marking a shift in trade dynamics for the sector.

Ganaspis kimorum released in Catalonia to fight Drosophila suzukii

Crop protection

16 Oct 2025

Catalonia starts the release of Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid used for the biological control of Drosophila suzukii. The goal is to reduce pesticide use in cherry, strawberry and berry crops, supporting a more sustainable and environmentally friendly fruit production system.