NZ: BerryCo thinks that the expansion of the sector should be through the development of varieties
One of Australia's largest blueberry associations says it is excited about the potential of new varieties to be launched soon.
BerryCo NZ has acquired the rights for New Zealand of the genetics of Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) in Australia, whose general manager, Vaughan Judkins, expresses that it is a production program of the leading Southern Highbush variety in the world, and that there are several new developments on the horizon for the sector. The MBO supplied the Eureka brand, with its giant size, which is currently a great success for consumers of healthy products in Australia and for international markets in Asia.
“We currently have “Eureka” brand varieties that are being supplied to growers catering for early, mid and late varieties, and they have great flavor and eating qualities,” Judkins said. “The exciting thing is visiting the production program and seeing the new varieties that are coming from New Zealand. Additionally, for the second consecutive year, BerryCo had a stand at Asia Fruit Logistica. "We receive constant feedback from shoppers expressing their surprise with the size, texture and flavor of Eureka berries, traits that distinguish this MBO variety from other products in the supermarket aisles."
BerryCo has also recently acquired the rights to a production program of the Northern Highbush variety. Moondarra Genetics is a research and development company focused on the development and commercialization of Northern Highbush blueberry varieties, which have introduced MBO germplasm into the program.
“This will allow us to extend the growing season in New Zealand and offer our domestic and export retailers a continuous and dedicated supply over an extended period,” explains Judkins.
BerryCo is a joint venture of two leading fresh produce companies in Australia; Valley Fresh and Southern Produce, who sheltered their blueberry growers under the umbrella of BerryCo. Producers are located from the far north of the North Island to the southern tip of the South Island and, with the new varieties of MBO available, plantations have increased in recent years.
The company agrees with the HortNZ agency's comments that the cranberry sector has the potential to expand in the medium and long term, and Judkins says that it is not only the growth of production areas, but also the development of varieties .
"Consumer expectations are changing as proprietary varieties, which have gone through strict programs, offer them a better experience," he said. “We know that retailers around the world are starting to phase out varieties as they are outcompeted by better performing varieties, and that is where they can expand. “BerryCo not only provides one of the best Southern Highbush varieties in the world, but is also leading the way in management and growing techniques, to maximize the potential of these varieties and ensure the consumer has the best possible experience.”
The production of blueberries in New Zealand is much more advanced than last year, which was a season of poor quality for the sector, and if the weather permits, there will be a lot of good quality volume to harvest.
«This year, the fruit was harvested earlier due to the warm weather. Most fruits (Rabbit Eye varieties) will be harvested until the end of March. "Hot weather caused fruit to be available earlier than normal for the local and export market, recent storms have slowed production this month, but fortunately we were changing varieties and the impact was minimal."
Judkins adds that the supply is increasing as demand increases, and that the better quality of consumption of the varieties will mean an increase in demand.
«As the sector continues to evolve, so will demand. We have fantastic, innovative and loyal growers in New Zealand who are ready to replant new varieties, ensuring they are at the forefront of the sector. We also have new producers with experience in other horticultural surfaces. Without their experience, great genetics are meaningless, since the knowledge of these producers is essential to produce the best berries. We have a fabulous combination of strong, stable supply complemented by some of the best production programs in the world. "The future is promising."
Source: FreshPlaza.es
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