Rootstocks and salt stress: a comparative trial between MaxMa 14 and Gisela 6

Rootstocks

03 Apr 2026

A study examines the impact of soil salinity on sweet cherry by comparing MaxMa 14 and Gisela 6 rootstocks. Differences in growth, biomass, and salt stress tolerance provide practical guidance for improving orchard resilience and long-term productivity.

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.

G462S: the key mutation driving resistance in Alternaria alternata

Crop protection

02 Apr 2026

A China-based study investigates DMI fungicide resistance in Alternaria alternata affecting sweet cherry. The G462S mutation and AaCYP51 gene overexpression explain reduced treatment efficacy and highlight new strategies for resistance management in agriculture.

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

Low-cost yield mapping for sour cherry: a practical precision agriculture approach

Tech management

01 Apr 2026

A Utah State University study presents a low-cost system to estimate sour cherry yield. Using ultrasonic sensors and GNSS, it generates accurate yield maps, improving orchard management and making precision agriculture more accessible to smaller farms.

AOP Cerises de France: an organization serving the cherry sector

Specialties

01 Apr 2026

AOP Cerises de France is strengthening the French cherry sector by expanding membership, improving volume coordination and enhancing dialogue with retailers. The goal is to increase bargaining power and ensure greater market stability across France.

Irrigation and soil management in sweet cherry: towards more efficient and resilient systems

Tech management

31 Mar 2026

A Canadian study explores how drip and micro-sprinkler irrigation interact with compost and mulching in cherry orchards. Findings highlight impacts on soil moisture, tree growth and yield, providing guidance to manage water stress and improve productivity.

Imports of Chilean cherries into Argentina reach a record high: 1,273 tonnes

Markets

31 Mar 2026

Chilean cherry imports in Argentina hit 1,273 tons, setting a new record. Amid Chilean oversupply and steady premium demand, the market absorbs higher volumes without price collapse, raising questions about future balance and competition in the sector.

Chilean cherries at a turning point: quality, branding and the China challenge

Markets

31 Mar 2026

Hernán Garcés examines the new outlook for Chilean cherries, from reliance on China to premium quality, brand building and tighter margins. From Chile, a strategy is emerging focused on efficiency, consistency and value across the global supply chain.

Focus On

Cherry Times welcomes Jesús Alonso as a member of the technical scientific committee

Post-harvest​

08 Apr 2025

Dr. Jesús Alonso, postharvest scientist at CSIC, joins the Cherry Times technical scientific commitee. With deep expertise in cherry quality, storage technologies, and sustainable solutions, he supports innovation and technical development across the entire cherry supply chain.

Varietal innovation, patents and brand strategies, the winning trio for the modern cherry industry

Varieties

30 Jan 2025

For an in-depth look at the topics of varietal innovation and modern commercial development strategies for new cherry varieties, Stefano Lugli of Cherry Times interviewed James Calissi, owner of Calissi Farm, a company specialising in nursery and management of new varieties.

All the best of Cherry Times: highlights of 2024

Events

31 Dec 2024

The numbers speak for themselves: thanks to your interest, our analyses and in-depth articles have achieved extraordinary results. This article is dedicated to the content you loved the most: from the most thorough analyses to thematic insights.

CS Laimburg: the new cherry orchards will be 2D systems and mechanised

Events

24 Jun 2024

On Thursday, 20 June, a training meeting was held for farmers and technicians during which experts from CS Laimburg presented the results of the latest ongoing trials focusing on planting systems and techniques for managing cerasites.

Costs and profitability of cherry growing at different planting densities

Tech management

11 Jun 2024

The study compared 3 Grace Star plants with increasing density (low, medium and high), without cover, between the provinces of Modena and Forlì-Cesena. As the data show, the cherry tree in Emilia-Romagna is still a profitable investment.

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%.

How to produce quality cherries? The answer from the International Congress at Macfrut 2024

Quality

14 May 2024

Biosolutions can become a fundamental "pivot" for setting innovative technical lines worldwide. May 9th within Macfrut 2024 the International Congress titled: "Which biosolutions for quality cherries?" took place. Summaries of the presentations will be published on Cherry Times.

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.

The evolution of cherry production over the last 15 years

Production

15 Apr 2024

World supply rose from 1.85 to 2.75 million tonnes from 2008 to 2022, an increase of about 50%. The geography of world supply has not changed substantially over the past 15 years, although a concentration in a few countries can be observed.

Companies

Valente Pali: support and protection to guarantee a generous, high-quality harvest

Covers

07 Nov 2025

ValenteProtect© systems provide protection from rain, hail and insects, helping cherry growers secure abundant, healthy and market-ready harvests. Rain, Multishield and Insect Net systems ensure complete seasonal protection for top-quality yields.

Meda™: new early and intermediate cherry varieties in Europe

Varieties

04 Feb 2025

Meda™ varieties have been evaluated in Europe for three seasons now. All have been selected with a minimum of 35-40 days post-harvest. Meda™'s is the only breeding programme that has used postharvest as a selection filter.

Salvi Vivai: new intensive cherry orchards with excellent production

Varieties

02 Oct 2024

Significant data have been obtained in intensive French cherry orchards using cherry trees produced by Salvi Vivai (some of them from the Sweet series and the Marysa variety, all coming from the research program of University of Bologna).

Giacovelli: new varieties and zero residue cherries

Markets Production

27 Apr 2023

With a turnover of over 60 million euro, Giacovelli srl is one of the leading producers and marketers of fruit and vegetables in Apulia. Its passion and specialisation for cherries makes it one of Italy's leading producers of the red summer fruit.