Launch in international markets outside US and Canada marks a “significant step forward” for the industry, according to Global Plant Genetics
Global Plant Genetics (GPG) has revealed that four new Oregon blueberry selections are now being introduced globally outside the US and Canada.
The international launch includes OBG-Astoria, OBG-Sirocco, OBG-Belair and OBG-Raptor, GPG said.
Represented globally outside of the US and Canada by GPG, the varieties mark a ”significant step forward” for the blueberry industry, the group outlined.
”Developed with a clear focus on fruit quality, grower efficiency, commercial performance and market appeal, the new portfolio has already demonstrated remarkable progress and is set to make waves from the very beginning, with commercial plantings now in progress,” GPG stated.
The launch comes at a time when the global blueberry market is demanding more from new genetics than ever before.
Growers require varieties that perform reliably in the field, retailers need fruit that can travel and present well, and consumers expect size, flavour, firmness and consistency.
The new Oregon blueberry portfolio has been selected to respond directly to those demands, GPG continued.
”Together, the four varieties offer a powerful combination of large berry size, excellent firmness, strong eating quality, efficient plant habits and targeted production windows across different chill categories,” the group pointed out.
OBG-Astoria is described as a high-chill, early/mid-season variety with ”outstanding” berry size, balanced flavour and strong firmness; OBG-Sirocco ”brings exciting potential” to low-to-mid chill production regions; OBG-Belair is noted for being ”another standout low-to-mid chill selection”; and OBG-Raptor is a rabbiteye variety said to be “perhaps one of the most disruptive introductions in the portfolio”, according to GPG.
“These varieties represent exactly the kind of progress the blueberry industry needs,” said Jamie Petchell, director at GPG.
“They are not simply new names being added to the market; they are varieties with the potential to move the market forward.
”Each one brings a clear commercial purpose, whether that is high-chill fresh market performance, low-to-mid chill adaptability, substrate suitability, or a genuine rethinking of rabbiteye blueberries,” he noted.
GPG explained that the portfolio has been developed to support growers in building stronger, more resilient and more profitable blueberry programmes.
With commercial plantings already progressing, GPG expects the varieties to attract strong international interest from growers, nurseries and supply chain partners seeking genetics that ”can deliver from the outset”.
“These varieties have shown amazing progress in trial and commercial evaluation,” said Petchell.
“The response so far has been extremely encouraging, and we believe that they are set to make an impact from the very beginning.
”Our focus now is to work with the right partners in the right territories to build long-term success around these genetics,” he added.
