LFP Gmbh in Bassenheim (D) is the owner of the varieties developed by Hilmar Gräb's breeding programme in Kettig (D). The main objectives of the programme are to select cherry varieties with a late ripening period, good size, texture and quality, fruit tolerance to cracking and good shelf life.
In 2019, the first three new varieties were licensed, all of them late (Regina age) or extra late (Staccato® age and beyond): KIR Vulcano® KSG 16 A*, KIR Lamour® KSG 24 A* and KIR Rosso® KSG 03 A*.
Their patent protection and international commercial dissemination is taken care of by LFP Lizenzen für Früchte und Pflanzen GmbH.
Along with these varieties, the genetic improvement project has new cherry genotypes, late or extra-late, some of them of the two-colour type, Rainier type, at an advanced stage of selection and dissemination. Below, in order of ripeness, are the main characteristics of the three varieties. The observations refer to the original growing environment (Source: Gräb Gbr).
30 Aug 2023
Michigan State University has released a guide entirely dedicated to the processing, storage and use of cherries. This allows not only farmers, but also fruit enthusiasts, to be able to process and utilise a delicate and delicious fruit such as the cherry in the best possible way
11 Sep 2023
Although volumes increased, quality was patchy and overseas buyers were less enthusiastic. The tightening of foreign markets has pushed growers to focus on the domestic market, a safer but less profitable bet.
18 Jun 2025
A Turkish study confirms Levante as a sustainable biostimulant alternative to hydrogen cyanamide, improving bud break and fruit set in Royal Tioga® cherry trees, especially in Mediterranean regions with insufficient chill accumulation during winter.
18 Jun 2025
The 2025 Dutch cherry season starts with better-performing varieties like Sweet Ariane and Sweet Lorens. Uneven yields for Kordia and Regina, but the European market rewards quality with high prices, driven by frost and rain in key producing countries.
