A fruit that stands out

European cherries are valued for their natural sweetness, vibrant colour, freshness and appealing texture. Depending on the variety and stage of ripeness, the fruit may range from juicy to crisp and may differ in size, shape, colour and flavour intensity.

Cherries are a strongly seasonal fresh product. Their availability varies according to the growing area, variety and harvest period, making seasonality an important part of their identity and market appeal.

Quality at every stage

The quality of fresh cherries is supported throughout the journey from orchard to market:

    1. Selection of varieties suited to local growing conditions
    2. Crop care and responsible orchard management
    3. Harvesting at the appropriate stage of ripeness
    4. Careful sorting and quality control
    5. Standardisation and packaging
    6. Temperature management, storage and transport
    7. Placement on the market under appropriate handling conditions

Quality, food safety and certification systems

The cherries promoted through CherryFic! are produced in Pieria, Greece, by AC Rachis Pierias “O Agios Loukas”, the proposing organisation of the Action. Production and post-harvest handling are supported by recognised management and certification systems that strengthen quality, food safety, traceability and confidence throughout the supply chain.

As described in the approved project documentation, AC Rachis applies or holds systems and certifications including AGRO 2-1 / AGRO 2-2 for integrated crop management, GLOBALG.A.P., GRASP, and ISO 22000 for food-safety management at the sorting and packing facility.

Together, these systems and certifications support the cooperative’s approach to integrated crop management, food safety, social practices and traceability, alongside the applicable legal requirements and internal quality-control procedures.

Traceability and transparency

Traceability supports the monitoring of the product’s journey from the orchard through sorting, packing and distribution. Detailed production and handling records strengthen transparency, reliability and confidence for both professionals and consumers.

  • documented production and handling information;
  • clear links between product lots and their production origin;
  • quality-control checkpoints throughout the supply chain;
  • greater transparency for buyers, distributors and consumers.

Responsible production

CherryFic! also communicates the sustainability-related practices described in the approved project, including responsible use of natural resources, integrated crop management, environmental care and measures that support efficient production.

  • responsible water and soil management;
  • integrated approaches to crop protection and nutrition;
  • attention to biodiversity and the surrounding agricultural environment;
  • efficient use of resources and reduction of avoidable waste;
  • continuous improvement in production, sorting, cooling and storage practices.

Post-harvest care and technology

AC Rachis combines agricultural experience with modern post-harvest infrastructure. The approved project documentation refers to advanced electronic sorting, hydrocooling, refrigerated storage and cold-chain management designed to help preserve product quality and freshness during handling and transport to demanding export markets.