The Coteaux du Ventoux cherry obtains the PGI

This is the first time that a protected geographical indication has been granted to cherries in France with the PGI Cerise des Coteaux du Ventoux. Its specifications were registered on 11 June by the European Commission, which gives it protection at European level. The Ventoux cherry is a red mouth-watering cherry from cultivars of Prunus Avium L, Prunus Cerasus L or their hybrids. It is intended for sale fresh. The geographical area is located around Mont Ventoux and on the slopes of the Vaucluse and Luberon mountains with an altitude varying from 50 to 600 metres. There are a total of 7 arboriculturists, 44 producers and 6 authorised packing stations. This cherry, which must be harvested by hand, must meet several criteria such as a minimum size of 24 mm. A tolerance of 5% in the number of fruits whose size is less than 24 mm in a tray but no fruit must be less than or equal to 22 mm. The fruit must be optimally ripe and the colour must be uniform. Qualisud is the certification body for the Coteaux du Ventoux PGI. It took 18 years for it to obtain the grail! This distinction is awarded by the European Commission after a national validation procedure. The producers of the Vaucluse had launched the procedure in 2003. Its history goes back to the 17th century when it was mainly found in family gardens or in the middle of cereal fields and on embankments. Since the 20th century, many markets have developed around it.