ABB and The Summer Berry Company bring European retailers and growers a new level of raspberry quality and reliability.
Premium Raspberries with a Difference
The first commercial harvest of Malaika®, one of ABB’s most innovative raspberry varieties, is now underway in Portugal with our partner The Summer Berry Company (TSBC). Known for its jumbo berry size, lighter red color and excellent shelf life, Malaika is redefining what premium raspberries can deliver — from field to fruit shelf.
Malaika is part of ABB’s Elite Raspberry Collection (ERC), a breeding program that gives selected growers access to high-performing genetics combining agronomic strength with strong consumer appeal. TSBC is the first grower in Portugal to hold a Gold License, enabling large-scale production of Malaika® and supporting consistent quality across European markets.
Why Retailers Are Taking Notice
For retailers, raspberry differentiation has long been a challenge. Malaika® changes that:
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Premium appearance — large, uniform berries with an appealing lighter red tone.
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Reliable shelf life — strong post-harvest performance means fresher fruit for longer and less waste.
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Consumer appeal — balanced flavor and firm texture encourage repeat purchases.
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Category upgrade — finally, a clear premium tier to elevate the raspberry category.
“Malaika® is a variety that truly performs for retail,” says Juao Alvez, Production Manager at The Summer Berry Company. “Its size and appearance make it easy to market, and the shelf life gives consumers confidence in their purchase.”
Confidence for Growers
Malaika is not just beautiful fruit — it’s designed for grower success:
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Harvest efficiency — large, well-exposed berries are quicker to pick and reduce labor cost per kilo.
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Earlier and flexible production window — harvest can begin up to 2–3 weeks ahead of Kwanza®, helping growers secure higher-value early sales.
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Reliable yields — high volumes and uniform fruit make supply planning easier.
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Reduced risk — proven reliability throughout the supply chain provides greater security and long-term returns.
“Our breeding philosophy is about empowering growers,” says Hubert Gadret, CEO of Advanced Berry Breeding. “Malaika® is not just a beautiful raspberry – it’s a practical solution that reduces costs in the field while delivering a product retailers are eager to source. It’s a win for both sides of the value chain.”
With this milestone Portuguese harvest, Malaika becomes more accessible than ever across Europe’s premium retail programs. As consumer demand for consistent, high-quality raspberries continues to grow, ABB and its partners are committed to expanding availability while protecting the variety’s premium positioning.
For media inquiries, please contact us at media@abbreeding.nl