According to the projections of the Ministry of Economy and Energy, made through the Institute of Rural Development (IDR), Mendoza will produce 7,068 tons of cherries this season. It should be noted that more than 72% of the area in production (485 hectares) is implemented in the departments that make up the Uco Valley.
"The province will increase its cherry exports this season because the caliber achieved this season is much higher than in previous seasons," the IDR stated. According to the report, 2,544 tons have a caliber greater than 28 mm. The caliber of the remaining 4,524 tons is lower than 28 mm.
An improvement in fruit sizes and a greater accumulation of cold hours have translated into better product quality, which causes export estimates to rise. "Despite the climatic contingencies, especially the Zonda wind, the sector expects a good production because of the good response of the flowering and fruit set," the agency said. In addition, they added, "The quality is only analyzed by the size expected at harvest because the estimate is made based on the size of the fruit at the time of the survey."
"For this report, the Bing, Lapins, Brooks, and Santina varieties were analyzed. This type of survey has been carried out since the beginning of flowering," the IDR stated.
Production in Mendoza
The cultivation of cherries is of the utmost importance for the province of Mendoza, as it's the fruit that gives start to the harvest season (with the exception of damask). It's also the first fruit to reach the markets, as it arrives before that of Alto Valle, in Río Negro.
On the other hand, it is one of the fruits with the best opportunities in the Northern markets, so its prospects, both in the short and medium term, are positive. European, North American, and Asian consumers' interest in cherries in the counter-season is increasing, especially for the Christmas holidays.
Source: mendoza.gov.ar