News about Spain

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.

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.

Spanish researchers have identified a genotype of evergreen cherry

Breeding

20 Mar 2026

A study in Spain examines an evergrowing sweet cherry genotype unable to enter dormancy. The research highlights altered expression of DAM genes and offers new insights for genetic improvement and adaptation to climate change in temperate fruit crops.

Jerte PDO cherries: new varieties expand market and supply calendar

Specialties

18 Mar 2026

Jerte Valley PDO expands its cherry season with new certified varieties. Between favorable winter chill, growing European demand and insurance challenges, the sector focuses on quality, brand recognition and access to new international markets global competitive.

University of Lleida hosts course on cherry and hazelnut production technologies in Spain

Events

16 Mar 2026

From May 18 to 22, 2026, the University of Lleida in Spain will host an international course focused on innovations in cherry and hazelnut production. The program combines academic lectures with technical tours and meetings with leading farms and agribusiness companies.

Aqueous spot: a new epidermal physiopathy affecting cherries

Quality

13 Jan 2026

Aqueous spot in Burlat sweet cherries in Spain reduces fruit quality and market value. Research from the Jerte Valley shows physiological damage, pigment depletion and a visible–NIR optical signature that enables non‑destructive detection of affected fruit.

Melatonin treatments improve the functional quality of cherries

Quality

07 Jan 2026

A study from Miguel Hernández University in Alicante investigates the effect of melatonin applied before and after harvest on 'Sunburst' cherries. Results show a 29% rise in anthocyanins and a 5x increase in endogenous melatonin after 21 days at 2 °C in cold storage.

The first evergreen cherry tree: innovation against climate change

Breeding

07 Jan 2026

A research team in Aragón has developed the world’s first evergreen cherry tree, able to grow continuously throughout the year without winter dormancy. This breakthrough helps fruit crops adapt to climate change, enhance agricultural resilience and expand global production zones.

Climate emergencies: over €900,000 in compensation for Spanish cherry growers in Extremadura

Production

25 Dec 2025

La Junta de Extremadura ha distribuito 904.540 euro nel secondo pagamento dell’aiuto straordinario 2024 per i cerasicoltori colpiti dal maltempo. La misura, parte del Decreto Legge 3/2025, prevede un’ultima tranche da un milione di euro in arrivo nei prossimi giorni.

Molecular pathways in sweet cherry bud dormancy release: Spain-Denmark study

Tech management

17 Dec 2025

A Spain-Denmark study reveals the molecular pathways behind sweet cherry bud dormancy release. The research highlights the roles of hydrogen cyanamide, jasmonates and cytokinins in helping fruit trees adapt to climate change effects on flowering.