A new protagonist is making its way into the small fruit landscape, bringing a breath of innovation and contributing tangibly to the growth of the U.S. blueberry sector. This is PeachyBlue™, a variety developed by Fall Creek Farm & Nursery, which has demonstrated its commercial potential through a high-impact sales campaign at the Sprouts Farmers Market retail chain.
A blueberry that changes the game
PeachyBlue™ is not just a new cultivar, but a true sensory experience. Its flavor subtly recalls that of peach, with a distinctive aromatic sweetness that captures the attention of even the most demanding consumers.
The texture is firm and crunchy, combined with a generous size and a powdery light-blue skin that gives the fruit a fresh and natural appearance.
These characteristics are no coincidence: they are the result of years of work by Fall Creek’s breeding program, which aims to develop varieties capable of meeting not only growers’ agronomic needs, but also the sensory expectations of modern consumers.
Success at retail
During the 2023 summer season, PeachyBlue™ recorded exceptional performance in Sprouts Farmers Market stores, one of the U.S. retailers most focused on quality and innovation in the fresh produce sector.
According to data shared by Fall Creek, this variety accounted for 42% of Sprouts’ total packaged premium blueberry sales and reached a 71% share in the 18 oz (approximately 510 g) premium packs, a strategic format for the segment.
These figures are even more significant considering that PeachyBlue™ was introduced as a limited-edition variety, with carefully planned but restricted availability.
The commercial success was also driven by a well-executed in-store marketing strategy, featuring informational and visual materials designed to highlight the product’s characteristics and guide purchasing decisions.
From genetics to the consumer
The effectiveness of PeachyBlue™ in the retail market demonstrates the value of an integrated supply chain that starts with genetic research and reaches the store shelf. This project is the result of close collaboration between breeders, nurseries, growers, distributors and retailers, all united by the goal of bringing a premium, differentiated and profitable product to market.
"The PeachyBlue™ story shows that when supply chain players work together, it is possible to create varieties that not only appeal to consumers, but also encourage the entire category to evolve," said Sarah McKay, marketing director at Fall Creek.
"This approach, which we call ‘from breeding to shelf,’ is set to become the new standard for innovation in the small fruit sector."
Quality, shelf life and value
Beyond flavor and appearance, one of PeachyBlue™’s key strengths is its shelf life: the fruit maintains freshness for several days, reducing waste and improving consumer satisfaction.
This aspect is particularly relevant for retailers, who benefit from more efficient stock rotation and lower end-of-cycle losses.
The positioning of PeachyBlue™ as a premium variety has also helped elevate the entire blueberry category at shelf, demonstrating that consumers are willing to pay a higher price in exchange for perceived quality, superior taste and careful presentation.
A benchmark for the future
The Sprouts case highlights how varietal innovation can be a powerful growth driver not only for producers, but for the entire small fruit supply chain.
In an increasingly competitive market, focusing on cultivars with distinctive characteristics and an integrated commercial strategy proves to be a winning choice.
Fall Creek has already announced plans to expand the commercial availability of PeachyBlue™ in the coming years through new production partnerships and the localization of cultivation in different regions of the world, adapting to diverse harvest calendars.
For professionals in the small fruit sector, PeachyBlue™ now represents a concrete example of varietal innovation that, when supported by an effective supply chain strategy, can generate real value, differentiate offerings and capture new market segments.
Text and image sources: andnowuknow.com - morningagclips.com - growingproduce.com - fruitnet.com
