Angus Soft Fruits launches new AVA raspberry varieties

SCOTLAND – Scottish producer, Angus Soft Fruits, has introduced two new raspberry varieties, AVA Monet and AVA Dali, aimed at boosting economic viability in raspberry cultivation amid rising production costs.

Scottish fruit producer Angus Soft Fruits has officially launched two new raspberry varieties, AVA Monet and AVA Dali, designed to tackle the rising costs and challenges associated with raspberry production.

The company announced the release at an event held at East Seaton Farm on Scotland’s east coast, highlighting the economic and agricultural benefits these new varieties offer to growers and consumers.

Over the past few years, many UK raspberry growers have either reduced or ceased their production due to the increasing costs associated with growing and harvesting the fruit.

In response to these challenges, Angus Soft Fruits developed the AVA Monet and AVA Dali varieties. According to the company, these new raspberries are cost-effective and easy to pick, with a strong focus on improving yield and quality.

“We have been very encouraged by the results in these countries so far, with some quite exceptional yields recorded,” said Lochy Porter, chairman of Angus Soft Fruits.

The company is running trials across Europe and Northern Africa, including countries like England, Denmark, Belgium, and Morocco, aiming to achieve year-round production.

The AVA Monet and AVA Dali varieties were developed with the needs of growers, retailers, and consumers in mind. Angus Soft Fruits managing director John Gray emphasized that these new berries are well-suited to growing conditions both in the UK and internationally.

He added, “These varieties produce consistently sweet berries with great flavor and shelf life, making them a win-win for both growers and consumers.”

These varieties are noted for their large fruit size, appealing appearance, and long shelf life. They also show a strong tolerance to disease and result in low fruit wastage, making them particularly attractive to growers. Additionally, organic trials have shown promising results, further expanding market opportunities.

Lucy Wilkins, the breeding programme director at Angus Soft Fruits, highlighted the significance of these new varieties: “AVA Monet and AVA Dali offer a fantastic opportunity to our growers at a time when growing raspberries has been increasingly challenging. They offer higher yields while also meeting very high-quality requirements.”

To mark the launch, Angus Soft Fruits hosted a special event attended by international growers, Scottish Minister for Agriculture and Connectivity Jim Fairlie, and a major UK retailer.

The event featured food artist Prudence Staite, who used AVA Monet and AVA Dali raspberries to recreate iconic works of art, including Dali’s ‘Persistence of Memory’ and Monet’s ‘Houses of Parliament.’

The artist transformed the raspberries into various forms such as jams, purées, and coulis to create a palette of different shades and textures.

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