The New Zealand The Fresh Berry Company announced an alliance with Driscoll's to produce and market in the country Eterna, the blueberry variety recognized by Guinness World Records as the world's largest. The first plantings are already underway in the Kerikeri (Northland) and Waikato regions, with availability in stores expected from 2026.

Fresh Berry Company general manager Simon Tallon told Radio New Zealand that one of the Australian-grown Eterna berries reached the record weight of 20,4 grams, “the size of a ping-pong ball,” underscoring the variety’s commercial potential due to its exceptional size and premium presentation.

© The Fresh Berry Company

Tallon added that the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) New Zealand has already released and authorized the plant material for use by local producers, a key step for scaling up in the field.

Eterna is a variety developed by Costa Group as part of its genetic improvement program and licensed worldwide by Driscoll's. With its introduction in New Zealand, the domestic market will gain a high-value alternative in the large-sized blueberry segment, while the production chain prepares to align quality, post-harvest, and seasonal supply in preparation for its commercial launch.