By Simón Muñoz, International Blueberry Production Advisor at CASM Blueberries.
When evaluating the performance of a blueberry variety, it is important to understand that its success depends far more on the agroclimatic region where it is grown than on the climate in general. Subtropical climates can be found in many parts of the world, yet each has unique characteristics in terms of temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, solar radiation, and vapor pressure deficit. These factors directly influence the genetic expression of each variety.
Blueberry varieties differ in their chilling requirements, which partly determine their suitability for northern or southern production areas. However, the success of a variety is not defined by this factor alone. The real evaluation begins when that genetic material is tested under commercial production conditions. Beyond chilling hours, it is essential to consider variables such as environmental humidity, rainfall patterns, and tolerance to climatic stress.
In this regard, varieties from the MBO breeding program have shown particularly strong performance. In low-chill production regions, the varieties experiencing the fastest expansion include Sekoya Pop, Mágica, and several cultivars developed by Planasa. In high-chill areas, there has been strong adoption of Sekoya varieties such as Nova, Crunch, Grande, and Fiesta, along with cultivars from Fall Creek’s Collection portfolio, which continue to expand their presence across major blueberry-producing regions.
However, agroclimatic adaptation is only one part of the equation. Equally important is the quality of the fruit a variety produces. Today, varietal selection must consider characteristics such as firmness, fruit size, flavor, arrival condition, postharvest performance, productivity, resistance to pests and diseases, and, in some production regions, suitability for mechanical harvesting. These factors ultimately determine both the commercial value of the fruit and its success in destination markets, as well as its ability to generate repeat consumer purchases.
Some varieties perform exceptionally well under specific production conditions and deliver high yields, yet their fruit may have limitations when shipped to distant export markets. By contrast, varieties such as Sekoya Pop combine low chilling requirements with outstanding postharvest performance, making them suitable for both nearby markets and long-distance export destinations. For this reason, varietal selection cannot be based solely on climatic adaptation. It requires a comprehensive evaluation of a variety’s ability to express its productive potential while consistently delivering fruit that meets the expectations of today’s consumers.
The industry is gradually moving away from many first-generation varieties, such as Legacy. Although traditional cultivars are still found in commercial orchards—particularly in Eastern Europe—the global trend is clearly shifting toward genetics that offer a stronger combination of productivity, fruit quality, and commercial performance.
This evolution is largely driven by increasingly demanding markets. Countries such as the Netherlands, Germany, and the United Kingdom are mature blueberry markets where consumers are highly familiar with the fruit and quality standards continue to rise. In these destinations, there is little room for average-quality fruit—the market demands excellence.
At the same time, countries such as Turkey, India, and several Southeast Asian nations are rapidly increasing blueberry consumption and showing a growing willingness to pay for premium-quality fruit. A similar trend is emerging across Latin America, particularly in Brazil, Colombia, and Ecuador, where consumption continues to expand and market returns remain attractive.
Against this backdrop, the greatest challenge for growers is identifying varieties that are capable of adapting to a specific agroclimatic region while simultaneously expressing their full productive and commercial potential. We have seen varieties that survive—and even produce fruit—under certain conditions, yet never achieve the yield or quality levels for which they were originally developed.
When a variety is fully adapted to a growing region, consistently expresses its genetic potential, and produces high-quality fruit, its adoption tends to increase rapidly. This has been the case with varieties such as Sekoya Pop and Mágica, whose expansion across multiple production regions reflects the confidence they have earned among growers and exporters.
The future of the blueberry industry will depend on achieving the right balance between genetics, environment, and market demands. The right variety, planted in the right location and targeted to the right market, will continue to be the most effective formula for building successful and sustainable blueberry production systems.
