A new blueberry variety developed by Bloom Fresh™, Matías™, has entered the market with strong agronomic and commercial potential. Originating from a genetic program created by the University of Georgia and later consolidated in Peru through Inka’s Berries, the variety became part of Bloom Fresh™’s portfolio in October 2024, reinforcing the company’s position in the premium blueberry segment.
Bloom Fresh™ and Caliplant Group are currently promoting Matías™ commercially in Europe and North Africa, where field trials have delivered very positive results. Tests conducted in climatically contrasting regions such as Huelva (Spain) and Morocco have confirmed the variety’s robustness and adaptability under diverse growing conditions.
Matías™ was originally selected under the demanding environmental conditions of Peru, with a focus on tolerance to high humidity, heat stress and disease pressure. As a result, the variety shows excellent resistance to sudden temperature fluctuations, performs well under extreme heat up to 50°C, and has low susceptibility to common blueberry fungal diseases, including powdery mildew. Trials have also shown better performance against thrips compared to control varieties.
Agronomic performance and yield
From an agronomic standpoint, Matías™ features balanced vegetative vigor and a strong root system, leading to high and stable productivity. Yields exceed 4.5 kg per plant by the second year, outperforming initial expectations. The variety also demonstrates good tolerance to average-quality and desalinated water, an important advantage in water-limited regions.
As a zero-chill and early-ripening variety, Matías™ offers fruit availability from November, with 70–75% of production concentrated between January and April/May. Fruit size ranges from 16 to 24 mm, with around 70% exceeding 18 mm. The berries stand out for their sweetness, reaching 13–14° Brix, and for their good bloom and overall quality.
Post-harvest and market demand
Post-harvest performance is one of Matías™’s key strengths, with shelf life exceeding 55 days without loss of firmness or sensory quality. The well-distributed flowering along the branches improves harvest efficiency, allowing harvests to be advanced by 10–12 days and reducing labor costs. Demand for the variety is high, with all plants for the current season already reserved; new plant material will become available again in October 2026.
Text and images source: www.hortidaily.com
