COT International is a company engaged in the research, creation and selection of new fruit varieties. Internationally known for the apricot varieties sold under the COT brand name, the French company has been directing its interests in cherry varietal innovation for some years now.
At first, since 2010, as exclusive publishers of cherry varieties obtained from the SMS Unlimited (California, USA) breeding programme: Nimba*, Pacific Red*, Frisco*, Rocket* and the latest novelty Epick 16*.
Subsequently, since 2012, with its own breeding programme in Nimes, southern France. From this project, the new cherry variety Sun Pop* was obtained and licensed in 2022.
Below is the report by Marie-Laure Eteve, CEO and Research Director of COT International, presented at the workshop on cherry variety innovation at Macfrut 2023.
16 May 2024
‘We started a few days earlier than last year, when the harvest began on 4 May,’ says David Manero, producing partner of Cerima Cherries. ‘The campaign started well in terms of prices, but this year there will be fewer kilos of early cherries.
25 Nov 2024
Despite difficulties in the cultivation of cherry varieties in Peru, trials with varieties from the USA and Italy could start soon. This has improved the national outlook, which in turn is looking at the growing demand in some markets.
06 Apr 2026
In Spain’s Ebro Valley, early cherry harvest will start on April 15. Covered crops show resilience despite unstable weather, while uncertainty remains for mid and late varieties due to rain and wind during flowering.
06 Apr 2026
The new Cheery Glow cherry developed in Chile combines early harvest, high quality and low chill requirements. Earlier than Santina and with strong postharvest performance, it opens new commercial opportunities and supports market diversification worldwide.
