A genetic analysis conducted in a Chinese laboratory has brought to light a new case of intellectual property rights violations in the cherry sector. The analyses, carried out on shipments that arrived in the Asian country under the commercial name Rose Rainier, revealed a perfect DNA match with the Tip Top variety, internationally known under the Skylar Rae® brand.
The alert came from ANA Chile®, the company that manages this variety in the Chilean market. Thanks to an international collaboration involving authorized exporters, local receivers and the variety owner, it was possible to confirm that this is a new illegal export of a protected cultivar.
According to Ricardo Marquinez, Chief Operating Officer of ANA Chile®, the company is determined to take all necessary legal action, in coordination with Tip Top Orchards LLC., to protect the rights of the variety owners and sanction those who acted outside the rules.
Tip Top is a bicolour variety that in Chile can be grown exclusively by producers affiliated with Unifrutti and Chilfresh, two exporting companies that have already planted around 250 hectares. The commercial results achieved so far confirm the strategic value of this cultivar in the premium cherry market.
Marquinez announced that the company will strengthen its monitoring activities on past and future shipments carrying the name Rose Rainier, or other suspicious names, in order to verify the genetic compliance of the exported fruit.
ANA Chile® expressed its regret over the improper behaviour of some producers and exporters, stressing that these practices harm not only the rights holders but also those growers who have legally invested in the development of new varieties.
“Actions like these,” Marquinez concluded, “undermine the trust of international buyers in Chilean fruit and risk damaging the reputation of the entire industry.”
Source: redagricola.com
Image source: ANA Chile
08 Apr 2025
Dr. Jesús Alonso, postharvest scientist at CSIC, joins the Cherry Times technical scientific commitee. With deep expertise in cherry quality, storage technologies, and sustainable solutions, he supports innovation and technical development across the entire cherry supply chain.
21 May 2025
In Chile, integrated nutrition management in cherry orchards boosts yield and fruit quality while reducing external inputs. Balanced fertilization, root stimulation and biostimulants ensure firmer, more uniform cherries fit for international premium markets.
23 Oct 2026
Spring rains in Chile have split early cherries in the north, while damage in O’Higgins, which accounts for over 80% of production, remains marginal so far. Growers are monitoring fungal disease, saturated soils and potential impacts on Chile’s 2026/27 cherry crop.
23 Oct 2026
Da 14 anni, il PMGCe della PUC in Cile seleziona varietà precoci di ciliegio, a basso fabbisogno in freddo e resistenti a caldo, siccità e cracking. Tre selezioni avanzate e 1.000 individui sono valutati in quattro siti: l’obiettivo è registrare una varietà entro il 2030.
