For some time now, a great change has been taking place in blueberry crops, which are being renewed with new generations of patented genetics, in the search for attributes such as yield, to obtain a more profitable production, or obtain more attractive fruit for consumers in taste, looking for a greater sweetness or a good balance between sweetness and acidity.

New attributes

This search includes achieving greater fruit firmness, which is known to be obtained from genetics and good postharvest practices, and finally achieving a more visually attractive fruit. For the producer, achieving these factors not only ensures the success of his investment, but it is an achievement that will probably assure him the permanent loyalty of consumers.

This reality, however, does not correspond to the generality of producers, since those who belong to the oldest or mature industries, the response to these new offers of genetic varieties is different, due to their financial reality. They are producers who have already made significant investments with older varieties, and probably, without the possibility of external financial support, may not have the resources to replant.

Southern highbush 

In this framework, compared to the varieties Northern Highbush, the transition or varietal change in blueberries Southern highbush It has been highly faster, and is the protagonist of the expansion of cultivation to new regions of the world, with other geographies and different climates, hand in hand with technology and hydroponic systems.

The latest IBO working papers that, while not representing the official opinion of the body, are valuable because they are derived from multiple interviews and opinions of various stakeholders regarding different aspects of the industry. In one of these, referring to Industry Trends, it is highlighted that the development of new varieties has caused a new identity in the blueberry, now a more heterogeneous product than ever, so much so that the experience of consuming it can vary greatly.

Stratification 

Size is by no means an indicator of quality, let alone flavor, so consumers take a chance every time they buy blueberries, unless they know of certain brands or retailers that always meet their expectations. In this perspective, berry brands are creating their own stratification. In the case of the retailer, the stratification could be described in two or three levels, comprising “standard”, “premium” and “jumbo” blueberries. There are examples of initiatives in the UK, Europe and now also the US to call attention to blueberries with higher standards for size, firmness and flavour.

Patented genetics

The field of proprietary genetics is an increasingly crowded field in the variety aspect, and as the number of breeding programs grows and more varieties are launched, producers are faced with the challenge of making increasingly informed decisions. , since they select not only which variety to grow, but also its commercialization and access to a model associated with the varieties. The inevitable linkage to new and improved varieties is on one side of the equation, and the risk of change is on the other. The successful balance of these two dynamics will be a determining factor in future success.

At present, filling the “shoulder” periods is no longer the goal, the next ambitious goal for the industry will be to achieve a 52-week supply of quality varieties, with consistency across all spectra of available genetics. Although this trend will take years to materialize, once achieved it is expected to result in a higher level of stratification of the industry and consequently a possible accelerated attrition of some players.