Fresh Forward’s Bachata strawberry programme is expanding into new regions, with production ramping up significantly for the 2026/27 season to meet rising demand
Leading European strawberry breeder Fresh Forward has reported “remarkable” growth for its premium Bachata variety, both in terms of production and retail demand.
The variety builds on the company’s reputation for innovation, delivering industry-leading varieties such as Fandango and Calinda, Fresh Forward said it continued to invest heavily in expanding its breeding programme and pioneering new breeding techniques.
“This success is rooted in Fresh Forward’s highly collaborative approach,” it stated, “a true partnership with nursery partner Rapo and production partner Agromolinillo, as well as with an expanding network of expert growers, and the unified commercial strength of the Bachata Berry Collective: Angus Soft Fruits, Keelings, Frutania and Special Fruit.”
Production of Bachata is set to double for the 2026/27 season following a year of “exceptional”commercial performance, it said. To meet unprecedented market demand and extend seasonal availability, Fresh Forward said it was also trialling early and late-season production in Morocco and Egypt, with initial results looking “highly promising”.
“Even when weather conditions become challenging, Bachata consistently delivers outstanding flavour, colour and texture,” the company outlined, “reaffirming its reputation as a variety that truly performs when the going gets tough. Growers continue to report excellent yield performance, while retailers across multiple regions have accelerated their listings in response to soaring consumer demand for its exceptional flavour.
“The Bachata Berry Collective brings together four leading berry marketing groups to deliver an aligned, strategic supply chain, ensuring consistency of quality, efficient market penetration and exceptional customer experience. The partnership between breeder, producer, grower and marketer ensures Bachata remains firmly positioned as a standout premium-tier variety.”
David Cuthbert, procurement and development director at Angus Soft Fruits, commented: “Consumer demand for Bachata has been nothing short of extraordinary, driven by its truly exceptional flavour profile.”
“We’ve seen huge consumer enthusiasm for Bachata,” said Maurice O’Sullivan, group procurement director at Keelings, “which has quickly become one of the most flavour-forward strawberries in our premium offering. The exceptional eating experience is driving repeat purchases and strengthening retailer relationships.”
Markus Schneider, CEO at Frutania, added: “Bachata is exceeding expectations across our sales channels, particularly due to its unique flavour and its ability to maintain quality even under difficult growing conditions. Consumer feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, confirming Bachata as a true premium variety that adds real value throughout the supply chain.”
“We’re excited to support Fresh Forward in scaling production so that even more of our retailers can enjoy this remarkable strawberry,” offered Elke Vaes, head of sales and marketing at Special Fruit.
Fresh Forward pointed to the variety’s “balanced sweetness, vibrant colour, firm texture and strong shelf life”, as well as its resilience during recent adverse weather, which has apparently reinforced grower confidence and further elevated its profile among premium retailers.
“Bachata is a variety bred not only for exceptional eating quality but also for real-world performance,” said Teunis Sikma, managing director at Fresh Forward Breeding & Marketing. “With the Bachata Berry Collective and Rapo by our side, we are entering a new phase of accelerated growth. The momentum behind Bachata has never been stronger.”
