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.
05 Jul 2024
Protecting intellectual property is key to maintaining competitiveness and sustainable growth. Registering brands and packaging in key markets such as China not only protects intangible assets, but also enhances product reputation and quality.
14 May 2025
The KISS system for cherry cultivation, developed in Chile and promoted in Greece, focuses on simplicity, pruning efficiency, and cost reduction. A sustainable method that boosts fruit quality and yield, ideal for tackling labor shortages in orchards.
31 Dec 2025
Cherry trees in Puglia are holding their own amid crisis and innovation: new rootstocks, cultivation methods such as multi-axis vase pruning, and technical strategies promise productivity, quality, and sustainability, reviving southern cherry cultivation.
30 Dec 2025
A study from China shows that pre-cooling sweet cherries at 4°C can reduce cracking by over 50%. Cultivars Jiahong and Hongdeng react differently, but both benefit. Physiological and genetic data support the effectiveness of this low-impact postharvest solution.
