In an expansion of its raspberry portfolio, Advanced Berry Breeding (ABB) commercially launched three new varieties – the premium Malaika®, as well as Zawadi and Baridi. These three varieties will be showcased in Berlin.
Attributes at-a-glance
Each variety brings its unique charm and features to the table, says Hubert Gadret, chief executive officer of Advanced Berry Breeding. "Malaika (formerly ABB135) is the crown jewel of our raspberry breeding program. Malaika is the premium choice for growers who aim for the apex of quality. It stands out for its exceptional firmness and vibrant flavor and features a high-end clamshell presentation that ensures no leakage. Moreover, Malaika boasts an extended shelf life of an additional three to four days compared to any other ABB variety and is also easy to pick. It is the variety for growers focused on premium markets, looking to double their sales potential."
Zawadi (formerly ABB136) is advancing raspberry production with efficiency and versatility, he shows. "Growers can expect robust, resilient plants and high-yielding harvests while saving on plant material. This is a cost-effective raspberry breeding solution for large-scale production."
Baridi (formerly ABB132) is tailored for the unique demands of winter cultivation. "Baridi offers growers an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the winter production season. It is a game-changer as it requires no chill to thrive, it has no sensitivity to the cold, and it bypasses the need for dormancy."
"In the past eight years, we have witnessed the global fresh raspberry market nearly double in size, transforming an acreage race into a more mature, professionalized sector. As the market continues to evolve and margins become more competitive, the need for innovation becomes paramount," Hubert continues. "The overwhelmingly positive feedback from growers worldwide has reinforced our belief that we are unveiling these innovations at the right time and place. This is a pivotal moment for us and the industry."
Achieve year-round production
The addition of these three varieties to their portfolio of raspberry varieties enables growers to achieve year-round production, which is a vital factor in today's dynamic raspberry industry.
"Our breeding program focuses not only on superior quality and resilience of the raspberries but also on the adaptability to various growing seasons and locations," says Gadret.
A prime example of an effective production strategy is evident in the Huelva-Algarve region of southern Europe, known for its Mediterranean climate. ABB's varieties have been key in enabling continuous raspberry production throughout the year – taking full advantage of the mild winters and warm summers. "This demonstrates how our breeding techniques and strategic planning are reshaping the raspberry industry, offering diverse and profitable raspberry breeding solutions that empower growers everywhere to elevate raspberry production."
All three varieties, including the Malaika, will be on display at the ABB booth Hall 1.2 C-01 in Berlin.
For more information:
ABB
Tel.: (+31) 611 263 448
www.abbreeding.nl.