Onubafruit, Spain’s leading berry producer, is taking a decisive step forward in its varietal strategy by strongly backing Malaika®, one of the most promising raspberry genetics in the Advanced Berry Breeding (ABB) portfolio. Thanks to a multi-year agreement with the breeding company, Onubafruit has expanded plantings of this variety at record speed, reinforcing its role as a key supplier during the critical autumn–winter window.
Malaika®, a premium response
Malaika® stands out for a set of traits that make it particularly attractive to modern retail: large fruit size, bright light-red colour, extended shelf life and a well-balanced flavour profile. It is a variety that successfully combines visual appeal, taste and logistical performance, ensuring consistently high standards even during months when supply is traditionally more volatile.
Its strong post-harvest performance and production uniformity represent a strategic advantage for European retailers, who are increasingly focused on securing continuity of supply for high-end soft fruit throughout the winter season.
Following an initial trial phase on less than 10 hectares in 2024, Onubafruit has already reached around 40 hectares planted in 2025. But the plan is ambitious: the company aims to expand Malaika® plantings to 150–200 hectares by 2026, laying the foundations for structured growth in the years ahead.
This expansion responds directly to strong market demand for reliable, continuous supply programmes in the premium raspberry segment.
A strategic partnership with ABB
“Onubafruit has demonstrated outstanding technical capability, enabling the rapid and effective adoption of Malaika® at commercial scale,” said Hubert Gadret, CEO of Advanced Berry Breeding. “Their investment reflects not only confidence in the variety’s potential, but also the market’s growing focus on dependable premium fruit during winter. We admire the professionalism with which they are integrating Malaika® into their production system.”
With this move, Onubafruit further consolidates its leadership in the European berry market and strengthens its positioning as a strategic partner for retailers seeking quality and stability during the most challenging months of the growing season.
Text and image source: hortnews.com
