AU blueberry grower having 'Eureka' moment

Blueberries just doubled in size in at least one major Australian supermarket and many greengrocers, and its thanks to the breeding success of Mountain Blue blueberry grower and supplier Ridley Bell and his family. Mountain Blue has been developing varieties suitable for Australia’s climate since the 1970’s, and has found success with the jumbo Eureka variety, already being grown on five continents around the world. 

The production for 2015 is expected to hit 400 tonnes off the Lismore and Tabulam based farm, and it’s already one third of the way there, according to Ridley’s daughter Natalie Bell, who oversees operational business for Mountain Blue Orchards. “Consumer demand is there, and we’re working closely with our major retail partner to involve consumers in sensory testing, developing distinct European, Asian and combination palettes.” 

The Eureka variety is already being sold in Coles, in a 125 and 200 gram punnet, and feedback has been ‘very strong’, says Ms Bell. “We’ve had really lovely comments come directly to our website from consumers. People love the crispness, the sweetness and the fact the Eureka berry has a crunch.” 

The berry offers an ‘all-round good eating experience’ for consumers, Ms Bell says, and is a Southern High bush, one of the primary blueberry species grown in Australia, because it needs less chill hours than traditional Northern High varieties. “The breeding program we run has a number of varieties with similar characteristics to the Eureka, the aim of our breeding program is to produce a 12 month supply of quality blueberries for Australian consumers and overseas.”

At present, the variety is grown on the North East Seaboard primarily, from Gosford, up to Lismore and the Queensland sunshine coast, and Bundanerg, as well as the Atherton Tablelands.

Mountain Blue Orchards is currently working to develop the new varieties, sending genetics, seedlings, and fruit to growing hubs in Asia, Europe and the Americas, according to Ms Bell. “It’s exciting to see synergy within the industry bringing new varieties to the market. Consumers are demanding something different, and that’s what the Eureka offers.”