The Alicante cherry industry is nearing the end of a difficult but hopeful cycle. After five challenging years, producers anticipate a record campaign this year, with harvests projected to exceed four million kilograms. Flowering is progressing well despite limited rainfall and reduced pollination issues that have plagued past seasons, fueling optimism for a robust season. A higher production volume, expected to range from four thousand to five thousand contracts, should also translate into more employment opportunities within the sector.
Cherries, one of the most weather-sensitive agricultural commodities, have faced recurring setbacks in recent campaigns. Rain can crack fruit at its peak maturity, while cold snaps or rainfall during flowering can hamper pollination. Add in extreme conditions, and the sector has endured what many are calling the most challenging campaign on record, with last year recording losses well over seven million euros due to a prolonged twenty-day storm and hail during harvest.
Nevertheless, the outlook has shifted dramatically this year. Hilario Calabuig, president of the Denomination of Origin Cerezas Montaña de Alicante, stressed cautious optimism: You can never claim victory in this crop because it depends on many factors, but right now the weather is favorable, flowering is advancing well, and there is reason to believe we may be heading into a strong campaign.
Alberto Llorens, a technician from Cooperativa de Planes, shares the sentiment: The weather is favorable, and the last year’s rainfall helped support pollinators. The key now is to avoid any adverse developments and keep expectations aligned with the improving conditions.
The main caveat remains a potential delay in flowering. Still, producers anticipate that higher early-season prices will help offset the later start of the campaign in the Valle del Jerte production area, with harvest activity expected to begin around May 10. In any case, the difference in overall timing should be minor, and product throughput could surpass eight million euros, though forecasts remain uncertain and contingent on evolving weather patterns.
Recent rains and hail have colored the season’s narrative, reminding the industry of its vulnerability and the high cost of disruption. Still, the mood among workers and cooperatives is one of cautious relief as forecasts begin to reflect more favorable conditions.
Positive momentum as expectations rise for a more resilient cherry sector.
As the sector navigates this pivotal period, stakeholders acknowledge the risk of disillusionment if forecasts fail to materialize. Calabuig noted that when crops do not meet expectations, farmers can lose faith in the industry and, in some cases, abandon the activity altogether. However, the current outlook is more hopeful, with improved employment prospects during both the harvest and the broader campaign, and with cooperatives positioned to support workers through the peak season.
The production region centers on l’Alcoià, El Comtat, Marina Alta and Alto Vinalopó, collectively spanning around 1,600 hectares. The cherry floriculture also contributes to regional tourism, drawing visitors to hotels and restaurants and adding value beyond the agricultural supply chain.
Asaja Alicante advances a generational shift in agriculture
Asaja Alicante has revived an agricultural training program previously offered by the Ministry, which had not run for fifteen years. The initiative aims to foster intergenerational innovation at a time when rising costs, water scarcity, and higher input prices make agriculture a less attractive option for many young people. The program includes both in-person and online modules and will be delivered free of charge from Asaja’s Elche headquarters starting May 2. Completing the 100 hours of coursework will also provide access to startup support, reflecting the Ministry of Agriculture’s proposals for modernizing the sector.