The Rivoira Group has presented Skylar Rae®, the new exclusive Tip Top® variety for which it holds exclusive rights in Europe. The project introduces a completely new concept to the fresh produce market: the #CherryBerry.
Designed for a more immediate, practical and contemporary consumption experience, Skylar Rae® redefines the traditional concept of premium cherries, transforming them into a natural, ready-to-eat snack.
“We did not want to simply present a new variety, but to change the way consumers experience cherries,” explains Marco Rivoira.
“For years, the stem has been considered an essential element of the cherry. After years of studying the Tip Top® variety, we discovered something surprising: by carefully removing the stem directly in the field, the fruit perfectly maintains its quality and even improves some of its physical characteristics.”
A naturally prepared variety
According to studies carried out by the Rivoira Group, the Tip Top® variety has a high natural healing capacity at the point where the stem is detached. This characteristic makes it possible to preserve the fruit’s quality as much as possible even without the stem, reducing water loss and maintaining high levels of crunchiness, firmness and freshness.
“Today’s consumers are looking for products that are good, but also easy to eat and compatible with a dynamic lifestyle,” Rivoira continues.
“With the #CherryBerry concept, we take cherries beyond their classic tradition and turn them into a premium ready-to-eat snack.”
Sustainability also evolves
The project also introduces concrete advantages from a logistics and sustainability perspective. Removing the volume occupied by the stem makes it possible to increase pack capacity, improve transport efficiency and optimise the use of packaging.
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With the same packaging format, it is possible to include up to 25-30% more product, with a positive impact across the entire supply chain.
“This is not about reducing the value of the product,” Rivoira stresses, “but about increasing the efficiency and overall sustainability of the system.”
The commercial project
The commercial launch of Skylar Rae® is scheduled for June 2026, with an initial pilot project aimed at large-scale retail in Italy and Germany.
In the first phase, the product will be marketed exclusively by the Rivoira Group, focusing on leading Italian retailers, selected strategic chains in the German market and specific trials in overseas markets.
At the same time, the production project is already expanding strongly:
- 25 hectares developed directly by the Rivoira Group;
- in Spain, partner Vidrio is developing a licensed programme covering more than 300 hectares.
The aim is to progressively build a new premium category within the European cherry market.
