The pilot project for the implementation of the Designation of Origin (DO) “Los Antiguos Valley Cherry – Patagonia” has successfully completed a new technical and operational phase. With the validation of a Quality Management System (QMS), the fruit from the province of Santa Cruz consolidates the essential standards of traceability, territorial identity, and quality to enter international markets bearing the DO seal for the first time.

This milestone lays the groundwork for the first Argentine export of cherries certified under this geographical quality designation in the upcoming fruit season.

A collaborative effort between producers and technical agencies
The development of this process was driven by financial support from the Government of Santa Cruz through the Federal Investment Council (CFI) and technical coordination from the INTA Los Antiguos Rural Extension Agency (AER).

The pilot project involved the active participation of various stakeholders from the public and private sectors:

• 10 producer families from the town of Los Antiguos.
• 2 local packing plants.
• 10 technicians from INTA, the Ministry of Production, Industry and Commerce of Santa Cruz, the Provincial Agrarian Council, the Argentine Chamber of Integrated Cherry Producers (CAPCI), the Regulatory Council of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO), and its Advisory Council.

Traceability from Farm to International Market
During the pilot program, checklists were implemented on farms and in packing facilities, simulating the entire process: from harvesting in the field, to arrival at the packing facility and processing, all the way to the formal export procedures with the Secretariat of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries (SAGyP).

According to Agricultural Engineer Aníbal Caminiti, manager of CAPCI, this advancement represents a historic achievement for the country:

“This is an unprecedented event for Argentina: the Los Antiguos cherry is the first fresh fruit in the country to obtain a Protected Designation of Origin. The Quality Management System considers the attributes that identify this fruit and supports them with a procedures manual, which verifies that the requirements are met and the consumer receives a truly certified product.”

Next Steps: Brand Positioning and Value Markets
With the consolidated documentation and regulatory framework—which will also be open to other producers and packing plants in the area that meet the PDO requirements—the next phase will focus on:

• Brand Building: Positioning the brand “PDO Cereza del Valle de Los Antiguos – Patagonia” (Los Antiguos Valley Cherry PDO – Patagonia).
• Marketing Plan: Targeting strategic international markets where consumers prioritize and place differential value on products with a clear origin and guaranteed quality certification.

Officially recognized in April 2025 after collaborative work initiated in 2017, the Santa Cruz cherry sets a key precedent in the appreciation of Argentine regional products.

Source: Frutas de Chile