New blueberry varieties require no cooling and offer longer shelf life

Two newly developed blueberry varieties, Abril Blue+™ and Alessia Blue+™, were recently introduced at an event in Chiclayo, Peru, one of the country’s major blueberry-growing regions. These varieties are being recognised for their standout qualities: early maturity, no chilling requirement, and excellent shelf life, as claimed in a report published by Guojiguoshu.

The blueberries are bred to meet the evolving demands of both growers and global markets. Alessia Blue+ produces large, uniform berries, over 95% exceed 16mm in size, with a high percentage reaching over 18mm. These berries are known for their sweet taste, crisp texture, and extended harvest period. Abril Blue+ shares similar traits, delivering large fruit with firm, crisp flesh and consistent flavour. Both varieties can be stored for more than 60 days at 0.5°C, offering significant advantages in post-harvest handling and export.

With the global blueberry market growing rapidly, varieties that do not require cold hours to flower and fruit, especially in warmer regions, offer a promising solution for expanding production areas. The breeding program behind these varieties is now extending its reach to South America, Europe, and Africa, aiming to support farmers with cultivars suited to diverse climates.

07-23-2025

Source: Guojiguoshu