A Shared Vision for Premium Raspberries
Veiling Zaltbommel and Advanced Berry Breeding (ABB) have officially signed an ERC Gold license agreement for Malaika — a premium raspberry variety known for its striking fruit size, robust shelf life, and vibrant appearance. This partnership is aimed at bolstering the premium raspberry segment across the Netherlands and broader European markets.
Why Malaika?
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Large consistently sized fruit
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Bright fruit color for retail impact
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Outstanding shelf life
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Up to 2–3 weeks earlier harvest compared to traditional varieties
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High picking efficiency, reducing labor costs
These qualities position Malaika as an ideal solution for premium retailers and growers focused on high efficiency and consistent product quality.
Industry Support and Endorsement
Erwin van den Oever, Commercial Manager at Veiling Zaltbommel, emphasizes, “With Malaika®, we’re not only meeting retail demands for premium fruit, but also helping growers reduce picking costs without compromising quality.”
Director Gerard van Gerven adds, “Choosing Malaika® reflects our confidence in ABB’s genetics. This gives our growers an edge in a competitive, fast-evolving market.”
Strengthening Longstanding Collaboration
The license signing took place at ABB headquarters, where both parties reaffirmed their commitment to innovation and strategic cooperation.
Nico de Groot, Sales Manager at ABB, notes, “Our collaboration with Veiling Zaltbommel spans many years. Malaika builds on this legacy, bringing advanced genetics to market that benefit growers and retailers alike.”
Market Impact and Next Steps
The variety is set to bring greater reliability and profitability to the soft fruit supply chain. Both ABB and Veiling Zaltbommel are confident that Malaika will attract increasing interest across the Benelux and other premium retail markets.
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