Company’s growing berry portfolio includes three recently-launched blackberry varieties
Planasa will showcase the latest breakthroughs from its breeding programmes and introduce new additions to its berry offer at next month’s Fruit Attraction.
These include three new blackberry varieties recently launched to the market. Black Rainier and Black Iguazú are two thornless varieties that Planasa said stand out for their high yield potential and fruit quality, making them ideal for the snacking segment. They are joined by Black Yosemite, a variety developed for Mexican growing conditions that is “notable for its early maturity and excellent shelf-life”.
In blueberries Planasa’s offering will be spearheaded by Blue Madeira and Blue Maldiva, both of which recently received the Superior Taste Award from the International Taste Institute.
“Blue Madeira is distinguished by its firmness, shelf-life, and flavour profile, while Blue Maldiva combines large size, great flavour, and high yield potential,” the breeder said. Other varieties from Planasa’s blueberry programme, which continues to expand in markets including Spain, Portugal, Morocco, Mexico, Peru, China, and South Africa, include Blue Malibú and Blue Manila.
In the raspberry category, the company’s lineup includes Pink Hudson – also a recent Superior Taste Award winner for fruit quality – and Adelita, which remains the benchmark for winter production. They are joined by Pink Loira (introduced last year), whose performance in regions like Portugal is impressing both growers and retailers.
Additionally, ABB’s raspberry breeding programme will be represented at the Planasa Group stand. Highlights of the portfolio include Malaika, described as a firm variety with an outstanding appearance and a shelf-life of approximately 14 days.
“Our strawberry portfolio is represented by varieties such as RedSayra – which established itself as the most widely planted variety in Spain during the previous season thanks to its earliness, productivity, and organoleptic quality – as well as Red Samantha (a seasonal strawberry focused on flavour) and several advanced selections currently gaining traction in northern Spain,” Planasa said.
According to Planasa, its breeding programmes are driven by the needs of growers, retailers, and consumers, aiming to develop varieties adapted to diverse growing conditions and markets worldwide.
“Productivity, quality, flavour, size, firmness, shelf-life, and ease of harvesting are among the parameters considered when developing varieties that deliver strong agronomic and commercial performance in each region,” it said.
Beyond berries, Planasa continues to develop a range of other crops, as part of its diversification and innovation strategy. These include endive, garlic, asparagus, and avocado, alongside sweet corn – a recent addition following the group’s acquisition of the US-based company IFSI.
