In Japan, the cultivation of luxury fruits such as melons, grapes, peaches, and strawberries is a notable practice, with these items commanding high prices due to their enhanced flavours and appearances. Among these, the OKU Berry, a premium strawberry, has recently been introduced to Barcelona, Spain, for cultivation and distribution both nationally and across Europe. Targeting the haute cuisine market, these strawberries are priced above 120 euros per kilo, translating to approximately 3 euros per berry, based on an average count of 40 pieces per kilogram.
Despite their high price, OKU Berries are not the most expensive strawberries globally, a title held by the Bijin-hime variety. The cultivation of OKU Berries in Spain is spearheaded by Aloalto, employing indoor vertical farming techniques to mimic the climatic conditions of Japan, ensuring the berries' quality and exclusivity.
The founders, Mauricio Cano, Alejandro Casacuberta, and Carlos Vallhonrat, embarked on a comprehensive journey across Japan, covering 3000 kilometres and visiting around fifty farms before selecting this variety. They navigated a complex bureaucratic process, including negotiations over patent rights, to bring this variety to Europe. The endeavour reflects a fusion of Japanese agricultural innovation with European culinary demands, highlighting the global interest in unique, high-quality produce.
Source: lavanguardia.com
Photo source: LinkedIn