AVA Dalicia strawberries to launch in UK by end of year

Angus Soft Fruits’ breeding arm AVA Berries has announced that its new AVA Dalicia strawberry variety will open for UK sales in time for the 2026/2027 import season.

The supplier’s growers in Spain and Morocco will be able to sell their fruit to any UK retailer but must submit a declaration to AVA Berries relating specifically to UK sales.

AVA Berries highlighted the commercial success of AVA Dalicia in other markets, reporting “outstanding results” at its Mediterranean farms – in the field, packhouse and in store.

Lucy Wilkins, breeding programme director at AVA Berries, said: “AVA Dalicia has consistently demonstrated the agronomic strengths we set out to deliver: strong Class 1 performance, resilience under pressure, and excellent uniformity.

“Feedback from growers has been extremely positive, particularly around ease of picking and disease tolerance [for example to botrytis], which are critical traits in increasingly challenging seasons.”

AVA Berries said these attributes proved particularly valuable in a challenging winter season impacted by severe storms in Southern Europe and North Africa.

The breeder added that the variety, which has a uniform conical shape, “demonstrated a strong ability to shed its petals effectively, even in poor weather, supporting cleaner fruit and improved picking efficiency throughout the season”.

“From a retailer perspective, AVA Dalicia offers exactly what the category needs – consistent Class 1 fruit, strong visual appeal, and reliable performance from field to shelf,” said David Buxcey, sales director at Angus Soft Fruits.

“Opening the variety for UK sales gives retailers access to a strawberry that delivers uniformity, reduced waste and confidence in quality, even through challenging seasons. That consistency is key to building trust with shoppers and protecting value across the supply chain.”