At the end of July, Angus Soft Fruits welcomed several guests to officially launch its new raspberry varieties, AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali, named because the company says they are “works of art!”
Angus Soft Fruits says that the varieties have been meticulously bred over years of trials and development and predicts that they will mark a renaissance in raspberry cultivation, offering unparalleled quality, yield, and sustainability.
‘The main objective behind the development of AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali was to meet the diverse needs of growers, retailers, and consumers both in the UK and internationally. With a focus on premium quality, these varieties have been crafted to deliver exceptional taste, appearance, and shelf-life,’ it said in a statement.
The launch event included Jim Fairlie, Scottish Government minister for agriculture, Angus Soft Fruits Chairman Lochy Porter, Breeding Programme Director Lucy Wilkins, and Managing Director John Gray. Guests were also guided through polytunnels in which AVA™ Monet and AVA™ Dali were growing, and around East Seaton farm.
Fred Searle of the Fresh Produce Journal commented, “UK growers have been moving out of raspberry production over the last few years as the cost of growing and picking the fruit rises. Angus Soft Fruits thinks the new berries from its breeding programme have the total package and can help make raspberry production economically viable again”.
