Sansia(TM) and Safirah(TM) cherry series offer superior attributes at multiple harvest timings

SUMMERLAND, Canada, April 2026 — World Fresh Exports Inc. (World Fresh) is preparing to introduce an
exceptional new generation of Canadian-bred-and-grown dark sweet cherries to global markets, following its
authorization to market the Sansia(TM) and Safirah(TM) cherry series worldwide.

Developed by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) renowned sweet cherry breeding program in
Summerland, British Columbia, Sansia(TM) and Safirah(TM) cherries build on a legacy of Canadian cherry
innovation that has shaped cherry markets around the world.

For World Fresh, the opportunity is a natural fit. “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.”

Cherry series designed around harvest timing
World Fresh has been authorized to market five new varieties that are organized into series, deliberately
designed around harvest timing, a critical variable in sweet cherry production, logistics and retail performance.

The Sansia(TM) series comprises two mid-season dark sweet cherry varieties that harvest at Bing timing,
providing superior size and eating quality in the heart of the cherry season. The Safirah(TM) series comprises
two late-season dark sweet cherry varieties that offer valuable supply-window expansion beyond
Staccato(TM) and Sentennial(TM) cherry availability. The fifth yet-to-be named dark sweet cherry variety
harvests at Regina timing and offers best-in-class firmness and shipping capabilities.

Built on a proven Canadian breeding legacy
The Sansia(TM) and Safirah(TM) cherries emerge from AAFC’s prolific Summerland tree fruit breeding program,
internationally respected for developing high-quality sweet cherries with strong commercial relevance. The
program is responsible for some of the world’s most recognized dark sweet cherries, including Santina, Skeena,
Lapins, Sweetheart, Staccato(TM) and Sentennial(TM). The roll-out is being managed by AAFC’s long-standing
global master licensee, Summerland Varieties Corp. (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 Authorized Marketer.”

A focus on superior quality throughout the supply chain
World Fresh’s hands-on approach from orchard to market positions the company to showcase the full potential
of these new cherries. With deep experience serving international customers and a strong focus on quality and
execution, World Fresh is confident the Sansia(TM) and Safirah(TM) series will deliver throughout the supply
chain.
“Our customers are looking for cherries that deliver on every level — size, flavour, firmness, consistency and
timing,” Sarah Bistritz added. “Sansia(TM) and Safirah(TM) 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.”

About World Fresh Exports Inc.
World Fresh Exports Inc. is a marketer of premium fresh fruit, with a strong focus on cherries. The company works
directly with growers and packinghouses to ensure quality from orchard to destination and serves customers
across major global markets. For media and commercial inquiries, contact: [email protected]

About Summerland Varieties Corp. (SVC)
Summerland Varieties Corp. manages intellectual property rights on behalf of fruit breeders and rights owners
of world-renowned cherries, apples and berries, with decades of global experience in plant protection, licensing
and commercialization. For media and commercial inquiries, contact: [email protected]

We’re excited to share the latest update from World Fresh Exports as we gear up for the 2025 BC cherry season! You're invited to visit our cherry orchards and packing facilities too!

Anticipated Start: June 23 
Early Varieties: Tieton, Sylvia, Cristalina, Santina 
Pack Sizes Available:

• 8x1kg Pouch Bags 
  
• 8x2lb & 8x3lb Clamshells 
  
• 1kg, 5kg & 9kg Bulk Cartons 
  

 
Promotable Ad Volumes Begin:  July 7 (Lapins) 
Growing Regions: Osoyoos, Oliver, Naramata, Penticton, Summerland, Kelowna, Coldstream, Creston 
Season End: August 31 – September 7  

Over the past week, our team has been evaluating orchards from the U.S. border up to Coldstream and east to Creston—covering nearly the entire BC cherry-growing region. We anticipate beginning harvest between June 20–22, with packing starting June 23 and continuing through August.

We’re seeing strong demand for Canadian-grown cherries and would love to partner with you this season. Please contact us we are motivated to move volumes!

Thank you!
Sarah Bistritz,
Global Sales & Operations Manager,
[email protected]

May 22nd, 2025

World Fresh Exports Quality Control Inspectors have spent the last five days in our Canadian cherry orchards, evaluating the size, set, and quality for the upcoming season. We anticipate starting the harvest on June 10th and continuing to pack cherries into early September.

Canada is expecting a record crop of 5 million 20-pound cartons this summer. The excellent chilling hours during winter and a cool spring have been highly beneficial, along with winter pruning and thinning during bloom time. World Fresh will be packing this substantial crop at our three facilities in Oliver, Summerland, and Kelowna. This setup ensures the shortest transit times from orchard to packinghouse, maintaining the cold chain and increasing shelf-life for our customers.

World Fresh packs and ships daily, both locally and internationally, to North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. We are registered for exports to Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, Europe, and California (where pre-season registration is required). We offer a variety of packaging options, including pouch bags, clamshells, and bulk packaging, with shipments made by truck, airplane, and sea.

Please browse our website for more cherry information and varieties, and contact us to discuss a program

(Photos above of some our our actual cherry packaging and varieties available in season)

May 22nd, 2025

World Fresh Exports is actively packing and offering fresh cherries daily, focusing on Rainier and Coral varieties. The quality of cherries coming into the sheds and on the lines is excellent, with Corals showing a low stemless percentage of around 12%. Rainier cherries are displaying good color and firmness.

Due to a smaller crop this season, with estimates down over 50% to 4-4.5 million cartons, FOB prices are higher than usual. Demand continues to exceed availability, although movement in Asia has slowed due to the high unusually high air freight rates.

Interest from the Middle East and Europe is unusually high this early in the North American cherry deal, driven by several freezes in Turkey, Greece, and other European cherry-producing countries, which have significantly impacted their seasonal volumes. As World Fresh moves northward towards Washington State and British Columbia, Canada, we expect this demand to increase, with harvesting and packing continuing through early September.

(Photos pictured above are of our actual cherries packed this week)