At COT INTERNATIONAL, breeding is not only a science — it's a passion shaped by our commitment to delivering excellence in both orchard performance and consumer satisfaction.
Our varieties are designed with growers in mind and tailored to meet the evolving expectations of global markets: high productivity, climate adaptability, and above all, outstanding flavor.
Cherries have long been a strategic focus of our breeding efforts, and recent advances are opening new horizons.
This year marks a major milestone with the first field observations of our low chilling cherry varieties — selections that require as little as 250 chilling hours on average.
These genetics make cherry production possible in areas with mild winters, previously considered unsuitable for the crop.
But chilling adaptation is just one part of the story.
In parallel, we are intensively selecting for firmness and cracking tolerance, two essential traits for growers and retailers alike.
Our goal is to offer cherries that are robust in the field, resilient to rain events, and deliver extended shelf life — all while maintaining the textural quality and flavor that consumers expect from a premium cherry.
Our pipeline includes varieties with excellent post-harvest behavior, balanced Brix/acid ratios, and appealing visual attributes.
Whether early or mid-season, our cherries are selected for a crisp bite, juicy texture, and aromatic depth — because taste is never optional.
For COT INTERNATIONAL, it is the foundation.
Image 1. Low chill cherries in Blanca (Murcia, Spain)
Our apricot program follows the same philosophy: adaptability without compromise on flavor.
For more than 30 years, we have developed varieties suited to different climatic zones, from low chilling selections for warm winters to high chilling types for mountainous and continental regions.
We’ve introduced early and mid-season apricots that thrive in southern Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia — combining strong yields, resistance to Sharka virus (Plum pox virus), and intense flavor.
All our apricots are also autofertile, a key trait to ensure reliable production year after year, even in suboptimal pollination conditions.
Image 2. Apricot in full blossom
At the other end of the spectrum, we proudly present WINTERCOT®, our exclusive brand for high chilling apricots (>1000 chilling hours).
These varieties are now grown successfully in high-altitude or northern regions, where apricots were traditionally absent.
With late blooming and excellent cold tolerance, WINTERCOT® opens new frontiers for apricot production.
Again, flavor leads the way.
WINTERCOT® apricots are known for their aromatic richness, firm flesh, and consistently high eating quality — meeting the expectations of modern consumers seeking authentic taste.
Image 3. WINTERCOT® WIN21 cov
Throughout our breeding process, taste remains the ultimate objective.
Whether for cherries or apricots, we screen hundreds of selections every year, but only a few pass the double threshold: agronomic reliability and sensory excellence.
By collaborating closely with growers and nurseries across both hemispheres, we ensure our selections perform under diverse conditions.
At the same time, regular consumer panels and tasting sessions help us fine-tune flavor, sweetness, acidity, and texture — because these are what truly differentiate a variety.
We believe the future of stone fruits lies in this balance: varieties that make economic sense for growers and create emotional value for consumers.
This is why, at COT INTERNATIONAL, we design our varieties for the growers and tailor them for the consumers.
Image 4. WINTERCOT® KID COT cov
Looking ahead
With climate conditions evolving and consumer expectations rising, the demand for resilient, flavorful, and adaptable fruit varieties has never been higher.
At COT INTERNATIONAL, we continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in stone fruit breeding — guided always by a simple but powerful idea: good fruit must taste good.
Image 5. SUN POP cov, new cherry self-fertile from COT INTERNATIONAL
Pascal Bassols-Pot
COT International
Summary of the report presented at VIP Varieties International Project of Macfrut 2025
19 Sep 2024
According to Mike and Rebecca Casey of Forest Lodge Orchard in central Otago, farmers installing their own solar systems could save New Zealand from an energy crisis if the government allowed them to enter the energy market.
09 Apr 2025
A Spanish study demonstrates the effectiveness of yeasts and antagonistic bacteria combined with sodium bicarbonate for the biocontrol of post-harvest rot in cherries and plums. A sustainable alternative to synthetic fungicides, ideal for modern agriculture.
28 Oct 2025
Argentina’s 2025/26 cherry season begins with mixed signals. Capci warns of early fruit drop affecting export volumes. Despite good fruit quality, unstable weather and production issues may impact international shipments, pushing forecasts toward stability or slight decline.
28 Oct 2025
A new micropropagation protocol for Gisela 17 rootstock was developed in Aurangabad, India. The study achieved excellent results in asepsis, rooting and shoot proliferation, paving the way for healthy cherry stock production and modern nursery propagation techniques.
