Italy: Frost affected cherry grades but not the flavour

"Cherries are excellent and healthy this year, however this might not be enough for the season to be a success," explains Stefano Pezzo (in the photo), sales manager for import-export firm Cherry Passion Srl.

In the Verona area, grades are not very good due to the fact that frost at Easter slowed down ripening. Most grades are 22/24 mm and 24/26 mm.

"Only few cherries exceed the 26mm grade and therefore we are finding things difficult on the most profitable north European markets, which have produce from Spain and other origins as well. But there is still long to go, so we are expecting prices to increase."

Towards the end of the campaign (early July), Cherry Passion will also introduce some Turkish cherries, though volumes will be lower than usual because of the cold temperatures during spring that affected that area as well.

"We're hoping the next three weeks will be good."

For more information:
Stefano Pezzo - Director
Cherry Passion Srl
V.le del Lavoro, 54
37036 San Martino Buon Albergo (VR)
Tel.: (+39) 045 8781138
Fax: (+39) 045 8795266
Email: info@cherrypassion.com
Web: www.cherrypassion.com