World Fresh Exports has revealed that it is set to introduce a new generation of Canadian-bred-and-grown dark sweet cherries to global markets.
The announcement comes after the company’s authorisation to market the Sansia and Safirah cherry series worldwide.
Developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) sweet cherry breeding programme in Summerland, British Columbia, Sansia and Safirah cherries ”build on a legacy of Canadian cherry innovation that has shaped cherry markets around the world”, World Fresh said.
“This is an incredibly exciting moment for us,” said Sarah Bistritz, World Fresh’s global sales and operations manager.
“These cherries represent the very best of Canadian breeding and production, and we can’t wait to share them with our global customers.”
World Fresh has been authorised to market five new varieties that are organised into series, deliberately designed around harvest timing – a critical variable in sweet cherry production, logistics and retail performance.
The Sansia series comprises two mid-season dark sweet cherry varieties that harvest at Bing timing, while the Safirah series comprises two late-season dark sweet cherry varieties that offer supply-window expansion beyond Staccato and Sentennial cherry availability.
The group noted that the fifth yet-to-be named dark sweet cherry variety harvests at Regina timing and ”offers best-in-class firmness and shipping capabilities”.
Sansia and Safirah emerge from AAFC’s Summerland tree fruit breeding programme, responsible for dark sweet cherries including Santina, Skeena, Lapins, Sweetheart, Staccato and Sentennial.
The roll-out is being managed by AAFC’s long-standing global master licensee, Summerland Varieties (SVC).
“These new cherries continue a remarkable Canadian breeding tradition,” said Nick Ibuki, SVC’s business development manager.
”World Fresh has an outstanding reputation for marketing premium cherries, so we’re delighted to see them introducing these exceptional new varieties to global markets as an authorised marketer.”
A focus on superior quality throughout the supply chain
World Fresh said it is confident the Sansia and Safirah series will deliver throughout the supply chain.
“Our customers are looking for cherries that deliver on every level – size, flavour, firmness, consistency and timing,” added Bistritz.
“Sansia and Safirah cherries check all of those boxes. They’re remarkable cherries, grown by World Fresh’s best Canadian producers, and we’re thrilled to be taking them to the world.”
