The varieties are the first results of the exclusive breeding programme at East Malling Research, which aims to produce new strawberry varieties that outperform current quality and agronomic standards.
Tom Rogers from CPM, commented: “Although still being trialled, results so far have been extremely positive and we expect commercial volumes to be widely available in 2017.
“Both selections have continued to perform well and be more productive than the standard varieties. As we continue the process it will be possible to continue to improve on this with better understanding of the new varieties through time.”
One of the varieties is expected to be larger than normal with a glossy and sweet fruit. The other will be slightly smaller with a dense, juicy flesh and a balanced sugar and acid flavour profile.
Tom Rogers, continued: “The breeding programme is unique in its focus to look for varieties that perform well in substrate. It is a system that is becoming most widely used by growers due to its unrivalled benefits. We are therefore well placed to provide our dedicated growers and our customers with material that can help their businesses grow and outperform the competition.”
