The product has not suffered as badly as the nectarine job where importers report supplies are running 'double short.' Near drought conditions in many parts of the country are not having any detrimental effects on fruit volume or quality either.

Ferrovia cherries from Bari have passed their harvesting peak with warmer weather hastening picking. Next week is likely to be the last volume week for the variety from this area.

Further north the picture is one of a very mixed bag of some 15 varieties some destined only for the domestic market but quality is reported by Italian sources to be high, especially Vignola types. Ferrovia has also been planted in greater quantities over the last few years and is also showing good quality, colour and size. Volumes have another two weeks to run and prices so far have been strong on export and domestic markets.

Verona's main variety Mora di Cazzano has been very good, hard, strong and sweet. The main growing area in the plains of the region is coming to the end of its season, but higher areas should continue with smaller quantities for another three weeks.

Importers in the UK report strong uptake for Duroni from Verona which is a hard, hydro-cooled cherry that has stood up well to competition from Spanish and French samples that have suffered with condition problems.

Fruit started the season slightly late and on the small side, but sizes have improved and the product is making better money than last year at 1200p for 10lb trays this week.

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