Since 2015 Soloberry Limited has been heavily involved in bringing the haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L) to market in Europe. The latest update in July this year, within the fresh produce industry, saw the announcement that due to changes in legislation, Soloberry could finally proceed with their notification to classify haskap berries as a traditional food under Regulations EU 2015/2283.
As of 13th December 2018, Soloberry Ltd are proud to announce that they have achieved the authorisation of “the placing on the market of berries of Lonicera caerulea L. as a traditional food from a third country under Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 of the European Parliament and of the Council and amending Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470”
Soloberry have been successfully selling haskap outside of Europe and have had increasing interest from as far afield as Japan. Demand has grown in Europe to both grow and buy haskap, particularly since their latest announcement on the progress of classification. Soloberry can now sell haskap in the European market and are excited to bring this super tasty super berry into a market where they have built a considerable berry customer base over the past ten years.
The team at Soloberry have invested great time and energy, with a professional approach, in their commitment to bring this product to market. The success submission of their dossier that clearly showed that Japanese Agriculture at Hokkaido Island have been proactively involved in managing the cooperative system of growers, logistics and sellers of haskap berry for over 25 years. This alongside evidence strongly suggesting that haskap berries have been found to be safe for consumption in Japan, helped to secure the change in status of haskap from novel to traditional food.
The appeal of haskap as a new berry on the market stems from its superfood credentials with higher levels of antioxidants than blueberries and for growers it’s to their suitability for northern climates and low production costs. Also known as Blue Honeysuckle or Honeyberry, Haskap is shaped like a rectangle blueberry, and tastes like a cross between a blueberry, blackberry and raspberry. Its unique flavour means it is ideal for the processing sector, in the form of relishes, jam or juices, as a “superfood” powder in nutraceuticals or in smoothies or ice-cream, there is also potential in fresh.
In November, Soloberry achieved a shortlisting as a finalist in the Best Natural Ingredient of the Year at Food Matters Live awards highlighting the super nutritionals of the fruit. With a high content of anthocyanins, twice the antioxidant levels of wild blueberries, three times the iron content of a blueberry and twice that of a strawberry and with 60% of the RDA of vitamin C in a single handful. Super tasty, super healthy, a berry that supports Soloberry’s mission to make the world a healthier place, berry by berry.
For more information:
Rachel Montague-Ebbs
Soloberry
Tel: +44 1322 643022
rachelm@agthames.co.uk