In the farthest reaches of Patagonia, the cherries from the Valle de Los Antiguos have received historic recognition: the Denomination of Origin “Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos - Patagonia,” officially granted in April 2024.
A milestone that celebrates a production born of a unique territory and generations of know-how.
"The denomination of origin allows us to certify an identity that embodies cultural, environmental, and productive values, while also guaranteeing the excellence of the product," stated Aníbal Caminiti, director of CAPCI, the Association of Integrated Cherry Producers of Argentina.
Behind this seal lies a decade-long effort shared by farmers, institutions, and researchers, including INTA (National Institute of Agricultural Technology), which supported the early stages of cultivation in one of the country’s most extreme areas.
A long research journey has helped define the distinctive traits of these cherries: intense sweetness, firm flesh, balanced acidity, and a deep red color.
The cherries of Valle de Los Antiguos grow in extraordinary climatic conditions. The microclimate, influenced by the nearby Lake Buenos Aires, offers strong thermal fluctuations, high brightness, and controlled humidity.
This slows the development of the fruit, making them firmer and richer in flavor. While ripening elsewhere takes 50–85 days, here it often exceeds 100.
According to Liliana San Martino, a researcher at INTA, the Denomination of Origin is a safeguard for producers: it not only enhances the product's value in the market, but also opens the door to export incentives once certification becomes active.
Diego Aguilar, president of the Mendoza Cherry Chamber, highlighted the geographic uniqueness of the production: "The cherries from Los Antiguos are the last to be harvested in the Southern Hemisphere each year, yet also the sweetest and crunchiest."
Aguilar emphasized that the collaboration with INTA has been crucial in distinguishing these cherries in both domestic and international markets.
Now the challenge is to continue investing in enhancing the value chain: expanding cultivated areas, increasing production, and strengthening presence in global markets.
The harvest period, which runs from late December to mid-February, is subject to annual climatic variations, but every season promises fruit of unparalleled quality.
With official recognition, “Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos” stands out as a symbol of agri-food excellence in Patagonia.
A product that combines local knowledge, extreme natural conditions, and the ambition to conquer international markets.
Source: portalfruticola.com
Image source: INTA
13 Dec 2024
In a recent study from India, researchers evaluated the efficacy of different chemical thinning agents applied during flowering, 80% of full flowering, on the cultivar ‘Sweet Heart’. The results showed a negative correlation between fruit number and quality.
16 Jul 2024
"There have already been promising results in North America, where it has become naturally established. We are currently testing its acclimatisation and effectiveness in about 60 plots throughout France,' explains Nicolas Borowizc of INRAE Paca.
07 Nov 2025
ValenteProtect© systems provide protection from rain, hail and insects, helping cherry growers secure abundant, healthy and market-ready harvests. Rain, Multishield and Insect Net systems ensure complete seasonal protection for top-quality yields.
07 Nov 2025
In 2024/25, Hort Innovation drove a full-scale strategy to promote Australian cherries: targeted social campaigns, retail training, and Asian export promotions led to an 11.8% sales boost in stores and a 46% export growth in Vietnam, strengthening the entire supply chain.
