The result of 20 years of joint research with the Valencian Institute of Agricultural Research (IVIA), this persimmon represents a strategic step for the sector, enabling an extended commercial calendar and meeting the growing demand from consumers and international markets.
Cirilo Arnandis, president of CANSO, sums it up clearly: “We are the first persimmon-producing cooperative in Europe and we have always faced the challenge of offering new varieties that extend the season. With Oreto we have achieved a different, high-quality persimmon that does not overshadow Rojo Brillante, but complements it.”
A new calendar
Until now, Spanish persimmon production was concentrated between October and December, with Rojo Brillante as the leading reference under the Kaki Ribera del Xúquer Designation of Origin. With Oreto, the Valencian cooperative moves forward by a month, offering the international market a fruit with a crunchy texture, excellent flavor and an attractive deep red color, which has already received the “Flavor of the Year 2025” seal after successfully passing consumer tests.
According to Arnandis, “the most important thing was that consumers accepted it from the start. And the recognition as Flavor of the Year confirms that Oreto enters the market with direct public endorsement.”
Innovation and cooperative tradition
The launch of Oreto coincides with the celebration of CANSO’s 115th anniversary, a cooperative that brings together more than 1,600 members and employs nearly 2,000 workers. Since its founding, it has played a key role in adding value to persimmon, leading its European expansion and consolidating the Valencian Community as a benchmark in this fruit.
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In the words of Arnandis: “The success of Oreto is the success of all our members. We have worked for two decades on a unique project in Europe, and today we can say that the effort has been worth it.”
Bringing the season forward to September will strengthen Spain’s position as the leading European persimmon producer, increasing its presence on international shelves and balancing supply across a broader calendar.
Oreto not only marks the beginning of a new varietal stage, but also CANSO’s commitment to innovation and sustainable development in Valencian agricultural cooperativism.
