The Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) has granted European plant variety protection to a series of new blueberry varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L.). This was done through Decision No. EU 71461, adopted on February 16 on the basis of Council Regulation (EC) No. 2100/94. The decision recognizes the Dutch company FV.BV as the holder of the rights to the blueberry varieties of the Mundo Azul range.
Recognition of the varieties
These include Demba (FV1908), Dana (FV1907), Aila (FV1905), Lena (FV1904), Selma (FV1901), Selena (FV1905), as well as the still unnamed varieties “FV1902” and “FV1903”. The protection is valid until December 31, 2056 throughout the European Union. For Onubafruit, the exclusive licensee in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, this recognition confirms its commitment to varietal innovation as a foundation for competitiveness.
“The new varieties stand out for their yield, quality and adaptability to the international market. Genetic differentiation is becoming increasingly decisive,” the company states. This step is also supported by market recognition. Varieties such as Demba and Dana have been awarded by the International Taste Institute and are highly appreciated in European retail for their consistency, reliability and uniform quality.
“Furthermore, access to protected varieties improves grower profitability, strengthens farm stability and creates value in rural areas. In this way, innovation and sustainability go hand in hand,” explains Onubafruit.
For this season, Onubafruit expects a harvest of حوالي 20,000 tons of blueberries. Around 50% of the supply consists of Mundo Azul varieties. In the coming seasons, the company plans to increase this share by 10–15% each year.
Company structure
The second-tier cooperative, which brings together several cooperatives from Huelva, is one of the leading producers and distributors of berries and holds a strong position in the European market. The Dutch company FV.BV specializes in the development and management of plant varieties, with a strong focus on berries.
Its activities include breeding, protection and licensing of new varieties. Onubafruit holds 50% of the shares in FV.BV. This strengthens the link between breeding and cultivation, allowing innovation to be directly aligned with real market needs.
Source: freshplaza.de
Image source: Onubafruit
