While many growers are retiring raspberry varieties because traditional varieties have become uneconomical due to high picking costs and low yields, the team at Angus Soft Fruits has been investing in new varieties of raspberry, which have high yields, a fast picking rate and large, sweet berries.

President Lochy Porter welcomes guests – Image: FreshPlaza

The main objective behind the development of AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali was to meet the diverse needs of producers, retailers and consumers, both domestically in the UK and internationally. With a focus on superior quality, these varieties have been created to offer exceptional taste, appearance and shelf life.

Jim Fairlie, Minister for Agriculture and Communications of Scotland – Image: FreshPlaza

John Gray, CEO of Angus Soft Fruits – Image: FreshPlaza

The event was attended by Scotland's Minister for Agriculture and Communications, Jim Fairlie, who applauded Angus Soft Fruits' world-class breeding program and said AVA Monet and Dali were a testament to the expertise in the sector.

Lucy Wilkins, breeding program director – Image: FreshPlaza

AVA™ Dali

Lucy Wilkins, breeding program manager, said: “These varieties offer a fantastic opportunity to our growers at a time when growing raspberries has become increasingly challenging. These varieties offer higher yields while meeting higher quality requirements, giving them additional market opportunities for their fruit. “This is also a benefit for our retailers, who will be able to sell these varieties and offer consumers a gift that is, in fact, a work of art.”

AVA™ Monet

Angus Soft Fruits is currently undergoing trials across Europe and North Africa and aims to achieve year-round production of AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali, which will ensure continuity of supply. Additionally, promising results from organic testing indicate greater potential.

Guests have the opportunity to see the raspberries in the tunnels and ask questions. – Image: FreshPlaza

The presentation in the tunnels was followed by lunch and a visit to the farm. – Image: FreshPlaza