UK-based grower-importer-distributor Total Cherry has entered into an exclusive agreement with Canada’s Okanagan Plant Improvement Corporation for the sole license and production of Staccato cherries in the UK and Ireland.
Under the deal, Total Cherry will have the rights to market the variety in its home markets, according to a press release from the company.
The dark, sweet and late producing variety has “exceptional and unique characteristics”, the group said, and will “bring delight” to growers and consumers alike.
Total Cherry explained that the deal will give the UK cherry industry a major boost, while company director, Jon Clark, expressed his delight at the agreement.
“We are delighted to have made this agreement with Okanagan Plant Improvement Corp. and look forward to the complete roll-out of the agreement and being able to give growers and consumers the latest producing cherry that can be grown in the UK,” Clark said.
John Kingsmill, general manager and CEO of Okanagan Plant Improvement Corp., added that his company is very pleased to be partnering with Total Cherry, which he described as a business unit of the UK’s “pre-eminent fresh produce supplier”.
According to Okanagan Plant Improvement Corp., Staccato cherries are "large, firm, and have good tolerance to rain-induced cracking".
The variety rights management company also claims that the fruit is "glossy and attractive" in a pack, while flower bud hardiness is" similar to, or even hardier, than Bing".
