A single cherry of the Yamagata Benio variety, cultivated in the Yamagata prefecture in Japan, was sold at auction for 100,000 yen, equivalent to about 600 euros. The news was announced by local authorities, who specified that the fruit auctioned at the Ota market in Tokyo belongs to a new type of cherries, known for their impressive size and high quality.
This cherry, of category 5L, has a diameter between 34 and 37 millimeters and was presented in a refined box made of Paulownia wood, a precious material used for musical instruments and luxury finishes.
The grower responsible for this 100,000 yen cherry is Yoshimi Kanehira, a 76-year-old farmer from the city of Tendo, who was already the winner of the competition for the largest fruit in the prefecture last year.
Benio cherries, although having a sugar content comparable to that of other premium varieties, are distinguished by a lower acidity and firmer flesh, which extends their shelf life.
Additionally, the cherry trees are cultivated in a particular way, growing the trees in a Y shape to optimize sunlight exposure. The soil is enriched with natural fertilizers, including Moringa extract, known for its richness in essential nutrients and drought resistance, and Tamogi mushrooms, appreciated for their antioxidant properties and use in cosmetics.
24 Sep 2025
Patagonia’s Argentine cherry growers challenge Chile’s dominance with quality, air freight exports and new markets. Without trade deals and amid rising domestic costs, competitiveness remains fragile, yet differentiation seeks to highlight the strength of the Patagonia brand.
04 Sep 2024
As part of the Cherry Day, which took place on August 28 and 29 in Plottier (Neuquén), Chilean specialists demonstrated knowledge and experience related to the global cherry business.
02 Mar 2026
Toschi Vignola reaches a 51% volume share of amarena cherries in Puglia, Campania and Sicily between October 2024 and September 2025. Sales rise 26% in Campania and share grows 33% in Sicily, according to Circana data across hypermarkets, supermarkets and self-service stores.
02 Mar 2026
How does Canada stay competitive in the global cherry market? New varieties developed in British Columbia, plant variety protection (PVP) and strong public-private partnerships increase yields, quality and exports, supporting growers and the agri-food value chain.
