The AVA™ Berries Breeding Programme, developed by Angus Soft Fruits, is dedicated to pioneering exceptional varieties of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries tailored for diverse international markets.
Our specialist team, led by Breeding Programme Director Lucy Wilkins, breeds new varieties at our technologically advanced research and development site. Equipped with glasshouses, polythene tunnels, and outdoor areas that replicate growing environments worldwide, their key objective is to surpass current market standards in flavour, appearance, shelf life, disease resistance, and yield.
Our journey began in 2003 with the groundbreaking release of our first AVA™ strawberry, the first strawberry variety grown in the UK and sold into premium lines at leading retailers. Since this landmark achievement, we have continued to produce outstanding AVA™ varieties. These award-winning berries are grown across the world to satisfy the demand of retailers in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
All varieties bred through the AVA™ Berries Breeding Programme are pre-fixed with the AVA™ trademark, helping to differentiate our premium selection of berries from other varieties.
What are AVA™ Berries?
AVA™ Berries are extraordinary varieties with flavour, yield and sustainability in mind. These varieties have all been selected for their exceptional appearance, flavour, texture and they have a longer shelf life. As well as being high yielding and disease resistant.
AVA™ Berries offer the best in seasonal flavour, sweetness and quality and are grown by an exclusive group of growers to ensure only great berries are produced every time.
New varieties shall only receive the AVA™ stamp of approval if they meet the highest standards in appearance, taste, juiciness, and yield.
Look out for them at your local supermarket throughout the year!
AVA™ Berries offer retailers and their customers an exclusive range of berries ~ all under one brand.
Using the trademarked AVA™ brand, allows customers to recognise the varieties, knowing they surpass others for flavour and sweetness, and are grown by an exclusive group of growers who focus on delivering the seasonal best.
