Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery introduced Apex (FCM14-057), its latest addition to the Fall Creek Collection platform, following an extensive process of commercial-scale evaluation and validation across multiple production regions.

According to the company, this new variety addresses a specific need within its portfolio: to offer an early- to mid-season alternative that combines fruit quality, shelf life, and size uniformity—key attributes for today’s export and retail channels.

“Apex meets a clear need within the Collection platform, integrating into a portfolio of genetics adapted to different regions, with proven field performance and available under an open licensing program for growers in low- or no-chill areas,” the company stated in a release.

Agronomic characteristics and commercial performance

The launch of Apex comes at a time of growing demand to ensure a consistent supply of high-quality blueberries at the start of the season.

In this context, varieties that successfully combine firmness, flavor, uniform size, and good postharvest life within early harvest windows are increasingly scarce at scale.

According to Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery, Apex’s performance under commercial conditions has confirmed several attributes that are highly relevant to the industry:

  • Firm fruit with a shelf life of up to 45 days.
  • Large, uniform berries that meet export and retail standards.
  • Harvest window from early to mid-season.
  • Yield potential exceeding 20 tons per hectare.
  • Flavor profile that encourages repeat consumer purchases.

The company highlights that the variety has demonstrated consistent performance both in the field and throughout the supply chain.

“Fall Creek Collection aims to deliver varieties that perform where it truly matters: in the field and in postharvest. Apex has earned its place because it delivers on both,” said Paul Nselel, Commercial Director of Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery.

In the same vein, the executive emphasized that growers who have already worked with this genetic material are familiar with its potential, and that this launch will allow them to further consolidate its commercial development.

Meanwhile, Paul Sandefur, Vice President of Research and Development at Fall Creek® Farm & Nursery, noted that Apex represents a tangible advancement in blueberry breeding.

“The combination of shelf life, fruit size, and yield potential within an early- to mid-season window is difficult to achieve. What’s significant is that these attributes are maintained across different production environments, giving it broad adaptability,” he explained.

Global availability and commercial strategy

With its official incorporation into the Fall Creek Collection, Apex will be available through the company’s global licensing network.

The commercial strategy will focus on importers and retail chains in key markets, with the aim of positioning the brand and stimulating demand as planted acreage expands.

Fall Creek Collection is one of the two programs through which the company offers advanced blueberry genetics worldwide. Together with Sekoya®, both reflect its commitment to expanding production opportunities by adapting to different chill requirements and agroclimatic conditions, with varieties that have proven high performance in the field.