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
05 Dec 2023
The trials, Stoppel points out, were very promising, particularly for four clones (Weigi® 1, Weigi® 2, Weigi® 3 and Weigi® 4), which were registered, patented and commercially licensed. The license for in vitro propagation was awarded to Vitroplant of Cesena, Italy.
17 May 2024
The German LFP selections, including the promising varieties KIR VULCANO®, KIR LAMOUR® and KIR ROSSO® have a harvest period between Regina and up to 2 weeks after staccato. They have already established themselves in Chile and will bear their first fruit in the 2024/25 season.
03 Apr 2026
A study examines the impact of soil salinity on sweet cherry by comparing MaxMa 14 and Gisela 6 rootstocks. Differences in growth, biomass, and salt stress tolerance provide practical guidance for improving orchard resilience and long-term productivity.
03 Apr 2026
Dark sweet cherries improve gut microbiota, reduce inflammation, and support memory and focus. Scientific studies highlight benefits for metabolism and cognitive health, especially in higher-risk individuals and widespread metabolic conditions, with growing scientific validation.
