The Cooperative Group enters the 2026 cherry campaign with clearly better prospects than last year. After a previous season characterized by low production but very positive quality and profitability, the organization expects to reach around 18,000 tonnes, provided that weather conditions remain favorable. The season is expected to begin at the end of April, confirming an earlier start compared to previous years.
According to the Cooperative Group, the factors that determine fruit quality are evolving very satisfactorily. Winter conditions have allowed for adequate chill accumulation and balanced vegetative development, which supports good fruit set and uniform calibers. Even so, they emphasize that cherries are an especially sensitive crop and that several decisive stages remain that could influence the final outcome.
On the commercial front, the organization expects to maintain the usual structure of previous campaigns, with 60% of production destined for export and 40% for the domestic market. Europe will remain the main destination, with stable demand and a clear preference for high‑quality fruit, good flavor, and certifications that guarantee traceability and sustainability. Consumption trends show no major changes, although there is growing interest in products with longer shelf life and a more intense organoleptic profile.
Looking ahead, the Cooperative Group identifies the opening of new phytosanitary protocols enabling exports to third countries as a key opportunity. Market diversification is considered essential to strengthen sector stability and reduce dependence on the European market, especially in a global context marked by geopolitical tensions and fluctuating demand.
Strategically, the organization highlights two priority challenges for the coming years. The first is the availability of labor, a structural issue affecting the entire fruit and vegetable sector and limiting operational capacity during key moments of the campaign. The second is the incorporation of technology across all processes, from the field to the packing facilities. In this regard, the Cooperative Group underscores the role artificial intelligence will play in crop forecasting, irrigation management, resource planning, quality control, and logistics.
