New variety has gone on sale this season, having been developed in Kent
BerryWorld Plus has launched the UK’s first-ever home-bred blueberry in the shape of BerryWorld Orb.
The new variety was developed in Kent at BerryWorld Plus’ breeding site in Faversham. The northern highbush variety was originally selected by Peter Vinson in 2012 and progressed by Graham Clarkson in 2015.
It has been prized for its size, flavour, firm texture and shelf life, according to BerryWorld, and is said to be already receiving positive feedback from retailers.
It has upright plants, with good berry presentation, meaning the fruit is also easy to pick. The company explained that this makes for a variety that is not only great for consumers, but also growers.
Trials of the variety are now being extended beyond the UK, as far as Chile, Poland, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, South Africa, France, Italy and Romania.
Orb picked up ‘Tastiest Blueberry’ at this year’s National Cherry & Soft Fruit Show, and has entered the market with small commercial volumes at selected UK retailers this season.
Samuel Rowe, CEO for BerryWorld Varieties, said: “It’s promising to see successful breeding on British soil, with BerryWorld Orb delivering a sustainable offer for farms and for retailers. In the UK retail market we’ve seen a fivefold increase in blueberry consumption over the last 15 years, from some 12,000 tonnes annually in 2010 to nearly 65,000t in the most recent Kantar data.
“It’s exciting to be pioneering a UK first, and great to be able to offer locally bred varieties to British growers and shoppers as well, many of whom love to buy local produce when it’s in season.”
