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 Apr 2025
Chilean experts agree: for a successful 2026 season, cherries must be high-quality and arrive in top condition. Focus on logistics, reliability, premium markets, and differentiation strategies.
10 Apr 2025
A scientific study conducted in Lahore compares thermal pasteurization and high-pressure processing on cherry juice. Results highlight superior nutritional, microbiological and sensory outcomes using HPP technology under controlled storage conditions.
11 Jul 2025
Germany’s 2025 cherry harvest is projected at 49,900 tons, marking a 41% increase from 2024 and 10.4% above the 10-year average. Sweet cherries (Süßkirschen) show strong growth, while sour cherries (Sauerkirschen) also rebound. Favorable spring conditions boosted yields.
11 Jul 2025
Ganaspis kimorum, a parasitoid wasp, demonstrates strong overwintering ability in Michigan cherry and blueberry orchards. This finding supports its potential as a reliable biocontrol agent against Drosophila suzukii and for establishing stable populations across growing regions.
