cherries

Last year, the first cherries in France were picked on 2 May, but this year, due to the weather conditions, harvesting is set for a delayed start, according to L'Indépendant.

According to Jacques Arnaudiès, president of cherry cooperative Cèret, located in the south of France, the first fruits will not be seen for another two to three weeks.

'This is due to climatic disturbances and cold weather,' he said, 'which have retarded the growth of the fruit.'

Such a delay to the start of the season is unpropitious. Last year, the cooperative's cherries sold for €9.45 per kilo for the first few days of the campaign, averaging out at only €1.83 over the course of the season.