Hugh Robertson MP, Secretary to the Parliamentary British Fruit Industry Group has accepted an invitation to officially name Octavia, the latest raspberry to be released from the breeding programme at Horticulture Research International, East Malling.

Bred by Vicky Knight of HRI, Octavia is a very late ripening (mid-July to mid-August) summer-fruiting raspberry with good flavour, firmness and shelf life. Octavia (the original Roman name for August) will extend the summer fruiting season beyond industry standards 'Glen Ample' and 'Tulameen' and bridge the gap until primocane late-fruiting varieties begin cropping.

The raspberry will be named by Mr Robertson, who said he would be 'delighted and honoured to launch Octavia' at approximately 9.30am at the HRI stand (83-84 in the main pavilion) where visitors will be able to sample Octavia. Mr Robertson will then take the opportunity to meet with soft fruit industry leaders.

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