In the global blueberry landscape, SEKOYA continues to lead innovations that redefine the industry, with exciting developments coming in 2025 and beyond.
"With a strong commitment to consumer-driven research, cutting-edge breeding technology, and strategic collaborations," says Anja Gruterich, marketing specialist, "SEKOYA is preparing to meet the growing demand for high-quality, sustainable blueberries available year-round."
A Growing Industry
According to the company’s analysis, the blueberry industry continues to thrive, driven by an increasing demand for premium products of superior quality. Consumers, becoming more discerning, seek blueberries with exceptional taste, good texture, and extended shelf life.
The introduction of low-chill varieties, available year-round, has significantly contributed to this growth. However, SEKOYA is not stopping there and is also focusing on local production in strategic regions such as Northern and Central Europe, where colder climates require varieties capable of withstanding harsh winters.
"SEKOYA is developing mid-high chill varieties to complement the year-round blueberry supply," explains Anja Gruterich. "These varieties help bridge seasonal gaps, ensuring local markets remain competitive."
With significant improvements in texture, size, and flavor, varieties like Sekoya Crunch ‘FC13-083’ and Sekoya Grande ‘FC13-122’ are revolutionizing the sector, reducing reliance on labor and increasing operational efficiency for growers.
New Varieties and Consumer Monitoring
On May 13, SEKOYA will host an exclusive event, the SEKOYA Field & Forum in Seville (Spain), where retailers and buyers will have the opportunity to preview upcoming low-chill blueberry varieties, promising to enrich the global blueberry availability.
"But SEKOYA is not only focused on new varieties," highlights Gruterich. "The company is also conducting in-depth research on consumer behavior and purchasing preferences."
These studies will help refine the selection of varieties and branding and promotion strategies to offer consumers products that meet their specific needs.
Looking ahead, SEKOYA is determined to address the evolving needs of consumers, continuing to focus on varietal innovation, with new low- and mid-chill varieties.
These innovations will not only extend supply windows but also enhance local production, ensuring consumers always have access to high-quality blueberries, regardless of the season.
SEKOYA is also prioritizing the development of mechanically harvestable varieties, reducing labor costs and increasing efficiency.
As the market becomes more specialized, SEKOYA aims to offer tailored blueberry assortments to match specific consumption habits, such as snacking, breakfast, or organic preferences.
From Common to Specialized Product
Looking to the future, SEKOYA anticipates increasing segmentation in the blueberry market, with more specific varieties designed to meet consumption habits.
"Blueberries are no longer seen as a generic product," explains Anja Gruterich. "Consumers want crisp and sweet varieties for snacking, smaller varieties for mixing with cereal or yogurt, and value packs for baking or smoothies."
SEKOYA is already addressing these demands, offering varieties that stand out for their texture, flavor, and size: "This shift, similar to what we have seen with tomatoes and potatoes, is transforming blueberries into a versatile fruit, consumed daily rather than just a seasonal treat."
Strengthening Global Presence
As part of Fall Creek, SEKOYA has experienced rapid global expansion; production regions such as Peru, Mexico, Chile, Morocco, and Egypt are crucial to the company’s success.
In particular, Peru has become the backbone of SEKOYA’s global distribution, ensuring continuous supply even under challenging growing conditions.
"Mexico remains a key player," specifies Gruterich, "especially for the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, thanks to the adoption of SEKOYA’s low-chill varieties."
Meanwhile, Chile is experiencing a market revitalization, with strong performances from low- and mid-chill varieties that extend the season.
Morocco, with its proximity to European markets, and Egypt, an emerging supplier for the EMEA region, are further strengthening SEKOYA’s global supply network.
Finally, China, with its growing demand for premium blueberries, represents one of the biggest opportunities for future growth.
Emanuela Stifano
Berry AreaThis article is part of a series dedicated to Berry Area in co-operation with Macfrut 2025. This content is in support of the event which will take place May 6-8, 2025 in Rimini Expo Centre, where the Berry Area stands as a reference point for all those seeking innovative solutions for the production and marketing of berries. 👉 Learn more about the Berry Area at this link. |
