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.
25 Feb 2026
In January 2026, Chile’s cherry exports fell to 1.227 billion dollars, below the record levels of 2024 and 2025. China absorbed 88% of total shipments, while the 2025/26 season posted lower figures compared with the previous campaign and the recent overall export trend.
27 Nov 2023
The main characteristic of this season is that the harvest is about 7-10 days later than usual. This is mainly due to unseasonal weather, with a low temperature range between day and night.
12 Jun 2026
The Government of Aragón supports the Cereza de Calatayud y del Aranda PGI, covering around 1,500 hectares and about one hundred agricultural operators. Documents must be ready by 30 July, while the European recognition process could take up to two years for its approval.
12 Jun 2026
Viveros Ebro outlines its 2026 cherry strategy in Ribera d’Ebre, Spain, with Nipama, SPC-108, Royal Apache and SMS-416. High yields, large fruit size, low chill requirements, postharvest quality and full-cycle technical support shape the new season with climate resilience.
