The world of berries is in constant motion, driven by an unceasing pursuit of superior quality, durability, and exceptional sizes.
The latest frontier in size has been reached in New Zealand, thanks to a strategic partnership between the international giant Driscoll’s and the local operator The Fresh Berry Company.
At the center of this news is the Eterna blueberry variety, which has officially earned a place in the Guinness World Records as the world’s largest blueberry variety.
Described as reaching a size "comparable to a ping-pong ball," these giant berries promise to redefine standards in the agri-food market and in exports.
Eterna: the record-breaking blueberry
The Eterna variety is not only impressive in size, but represents a significant achievement in the field of agronomic research.
Developed by Costa Group, Eterna is part of its innovative Variety Improvement Program and is distributed under global license by Driscoll’s.
The confirmation of its world record status came thanks to a specific specimen.
As reported by Simon Tallon, General Manager of The Fresh Berry Company, the berry that secured entry in the Guinness Book of World Records was harvested in 2023 in New South Wales, Australia, reaching an exceptional weight of 20.4 grams.
It is important to emphasize, for clarity and transparency towards consumers, that Eterna blueberries have not been genetically modified.
New Zealand strategy: production and timing
The introduction of Eterna cultivation in New Zealand marks a turning point for local production.
The Fresh Berry Company, the New Zealand partner, has already begun planting in the fertile northern basins of Kerikeri and Waikato.
Before being distributed to growers, the imported plant material underwent rigorous checks for pests and diseases and was approved by the New Zealand Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI).
Tallon explained that the driving force behind this innovation is constant: the goal is to obtain "better berries, firmer, with a longer shelf life and ultimately fruits that taste good."
According to current estimates reported by Radio New Zealand, widespread availability of these blueberries in stores is expected by 2026.
However, General Manager Simon Tallon has anticipated that a limited number of these “monstrous-sized” fruits could already appear on supermarket shelves by the end of next year.
The market context
The arrival of a flagship variety like Eterna fits into a growing New Zealand berry market.
Last year, the country recorded berry sales worth a total of 120 million dollars (around 112 million euros).
Alongside the introduction of Eterna, The Fresh Berry Company is expanding its geographical footprint with the launch of its first berry farm in the South Island, specifically in Nelson, starting next year.
Most of the company’s production is protected, with crops grown under plastic tunnels, except for some blueberries destined for export.
The overall expectation for the next season is optimistic, with Tallon forecasting a good harvest volume, allowing consumers to enjoy not only Eterna blueberries, but also strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
The impact of varietal innovation
The introduction of Eterna in New Zealand, supported by the global strength of Driscoll’s and the know-how of Costa Group, is not just a matter of size but a clear indicator of future trends in the agri-food sector.
The berry supply chain is moving decisively towards excellence, where varietal innovations (such as Eterna, with its record weight and promise of superior shelf life) become the driving force for exports and the response to global consumers’ demand for premium products.
This investment in New Zealand demonstrates how international collaboration and scientific research are essential to maintain high quality standards, consolidating the role of berries as a dynamic, high value-added segment of modern agriculture.
Source: www.fruitnet.com - www.rnz.co.nz
Image source: The Fresh Berry Company
