On 21 June, COT International, a French breeder based in Bouillargues (Gard, France), signed an agreement with the Australian group Eternal Fresh, which notably represents the stone fruit brand 'The Chosen Ones®'. It's an agreement that opens the doors of the southern hemisphere wide for Cot, as it aims to develop COT International varieties in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile.
Signature accord COT International, Eternal Fresh and QFM variety management.
The agreement could be described as historic for this France based company, which celebrated its 30th anniversary last year. For Eternal Fresh, the choice was made immediately during a visit to COT's varietal creation orchards last year. These fruit producers/exporters fell under the spell of the varieties created by Marie Laure Eteve.
Cot International committed to Eternal Fresh because of their professional marketing strategy to commercialise unique IP varieties with the The Chosen Ones® brand focused on premium paying customers throughout Asia. The marketing strategy is supported by research and development programs to assist producers, staff based in production countries along with in-market staff in key Asian markets.
The taste qualities of their bicoloured apricot varieties such as Delicot cov, but above all the qualities of the Rougecot® and Vanilla® varieties have convinced these demanding partners, renowned for the quality of their fruit in China, particularly with the Queen Garnet® plum.
The Vanilla Cot and Rougecot varieties.
COT International is already present in more than 17 countries in the northern hemisphere, but for the moment has only been at the trial stage in certain countries in the southern hemisphere. Thanks to this cooperation agreement between these two companies "the development of COT international is going to move up a gear. It's recognition for the research work we've been doing for over 30 years now," says Marie Laure Eteve, the company's Managing Director in charge of the hybridization programme.
"Most of the production in these countries will be destined for China, Eternal Fresh's main customer, and only with partners who are looking for premium fruit with very high sugar levels, such as they have found in COT International varieties," explains Pascal Bassols Pot, COT's Technical and Sales Manager. The first significant production is expected in 2025 in the Asian market.
For more information:
Marie Laure Eteve
Cot International
Tel: +33681400282
Email: [email protected]
www.cot-international.eu
Dong Wang
Eternal Fresh
Email: [email protected]
www.eternalfresh.com
Michael Trautwein
QFM Variety Management
Tel: +61 428 955 043
Email: [email protected]