This week’s edition dives into organic supply expansion, taste recognition awards, innovative breeding developments, and emerging market trends—showing the dynamic progress across sustainability, quality, and yield in the berries sector.
Organic Supply & Sustainability
Mixed berry organic program expands for 2025 season
Gem-Pack Berries, Inc. from California is scaling up its year-round organic strawberry supply, extending into organic blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries sourced from Baja California. The initiative also includes the development of its ‘Earthmade’ program—using beneficial fungi and bacteria to restore soil and reduce chemical inputs, marking a strategic shift toward regenerative agriculture.
Source: Mixed berry program expands as organic category growth continues – FreshPlaza (published Jun 19, 2025)
Polish growers shift toward high-quality berries under cover
Polish berry cooperatives are moving from open-field production to tunnel-grown high-quality berries, increasing yields despite frost risks, and responding to off-season demand. They’re also expanding acreage steadily, matching consumer expectations for premium fruit grown with climate-smart practices.
Source: Polish berry growers shifting towards high quality berries – FreshPlaza (published Jun 2025)
Flavor Recognition & Awards
BerryWorld shines at Superior Taste Awards 2025
BerryWorld secured top honours for premium varieties — including Reyes®, Sweet Karoline®, Eves Joy®, Jewel raspberries, Eves Delight®, and Eureka blueberries — all recognized by chefs and sommeliers for exceptional flavour and texture. This demonstrates continued investment in sensory-focused breeding.
Source: BerryWorld celebrates wins across the full berry portfolio at 2025 Superior Taste Awards – BerryWorld / HortiDaily / FreshPlaza (June 2025)
Breeding & Variety Innovation
Planasa launches new Pink Hudson & Pink Loira raspberries
At the Genetics Forum in Huelva, Planasa unveiled two promising new raspberry cultivars—Pink Hudson and Pink Loira—aimed at winter production with high yield and easy harvest traits. Early feedback from growers applauds robust adaptability and market potential in Southern Europe.
Source: Planasa presents new raspberry varieties at the Genetics Forum’s fourth edition – Hortidaily (Jun 16, 2025)
Market Dynamics & Yields
Moldova’s berry output down—price pressure ahead
After April frosts damaged 20–70% of generative organs across raspberries, blackberries, currants, and strawberries, Moldova’s open-field yields are expected to drop sharply, potentially driving supply tightness and price increases. However, growers using covers fared significantly better (<15% loss).
Source: Berry yields in Moldova expected to drop in 2025, prices likely to rise – Hortidaily (May 19, 2025)
Blueberry season dynamic globally in 2025
The global blueberry market faces shifts: Spain’s Huelva was hit by record wet weather, pushing sourcing toward Eastern Europe, while Italy saw a 20% sales surge between January and April due to strong early domestic production and consumer promotions.
Source: Global market overview blueberries – Hortidaily (May 2025)
