In the evolving landscape of agricultural investments, the raspberry sector has faced significant challenges. Traditional raspberry varieties have become less economically viable due to high picking costs and low yields, prompting many growers to reconsider their options. However, a new development in berry cultivation offers a promising solution. Angus Soft Fruits, a leading player in the fruit sector, has introduced two innovative raspberry varieties under its AVA brand: AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali. These varieties, developed through years of meticulous breeding and trials, present a significant breakthrough, offering high yields, rapid pick rates, and exceptional quality.
On July 31st, Angus Soft Fruits welcomed growers, breeders, and propagators to its raspberry tunnels to showcase these new varieties. The launch event highlighted the extensive research and development efforts behind AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali, which have been specifically engineered to meet the diverse needs of growers, retailers, and consumers alike. With a focus on premium quality, these varieties are designed to deliver exceptional taste, appearance, and shelf life, making them a valuable addition to both domestic and international markets.
John Gray, Managing Director of Angus Soft Fruits, emphasized the strategic importance of these varieties, stating, “AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali are fantastic varieties that offer a win-win for our operations. They are ideally suited to our growing conditions, both in our domestic and international farms, and deliver great-tasting, consistently sweet berries with impressive shelf life.”
The launch event was also attended by Jim Fairlie, Scottish Minister for Agriculture and Communication, who praised the world-class breeding program at Angus Soft Fruits. He remarked that AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali are a testament to the expertise in the sector and represent a significant advancement in sustainable agricultural practices.
Lucy Wilkins, Breeding Programme Director at Angus Soft Fruits, highlighted the broader implications for the raspberry market. “These varieties offer a fantastic opportunity to our growers at a time when growing raspberries has been increasingly challenging. They meet very high-quality requirements, giving growers additional market opportunities. This is also a benefit for our retailers, who will be able to sell these varieties, offering consumers a treat that is indeed a work of art!”
The development of AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali comes at a crucial time when sustainable and high-yield agricultural practices are increasingly sought after by investors and growers alike. These varieties are currently undergoing trials across Europe and Northern Africa, with the goal of achieving year-round production to ensure continuity of supply. Additionally, promising results from organic trials indicate further potential for these berries in meeting the growing demand for organic produce.
The event provided attendees with the opportunity to observe the raspberries in the tunnels and engage directly with the Angus Soft Fruits team. The day concluded with a lunch and a farm tour, allowing guests to gain deeper insights into the innovative practices driving the success of AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali.
