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.
27 Jan 2026
A Liaoning University study explores selenium biofortification in 'Mei Zao' sweet cherries: improved antioxidant capacity, enhanced nutritional value, and consumer safety. An effective strategy for sustainable agriculture in northeastern China.
26 Jun 2025
Meda cherries gain traction across Europe: trials in 12 countries, first harvest in the Netherlands, and over 1,200 hectares assigned worldwide. The project spans USA, Chile, South Africa and China, focusing on quality, earliness, innovation and agronomic sustainability.
07 May 2026
The 2026 cherry season in the Pacific Northwest starts with forecasts between 19.5 and 21.5 million boxes. Lower output than the 2025 record, an early harvest and closer coordination with California define a key phase for the USA cherry market trends.
07 May 2026
In Turkey, research from Firat University shows how computer vision, deep learning and machine learning can classify cherry ripening stages with accuracy above 95%, helping improve harvest timing, fruit quality and production chain management in orchards.
