Last week marked a significant milestone in agricultural innovation as Bloom Fresh™ laid the foundation stone for what is set to become one of the world’s most advanced technology centers dedicated to varietal innovation. Situated in Blanca, a municipality in Spain’s Murcia region, this facility will focus on developing new varieties of table grapes and cherries. By merging traditional manual hybridization techniques with cutting-edge molecular technologies, Bloom Fresh aims to usher in a new era of fruit breeding.
Founded with a commitment to sustainability and quality, Bloom Fresh has over 25 years of expertise in the field. The company is intent on providing high-quality solutions that prioritize the well-being of consumers globally. The innovations emanating from this center promise to enhance grower profitability while ensuring that consumers enjoy a range of delicious new fruit varieties.
As the landscape of consumer preferences shifts towards health-oriented options, Bloom Fresh is tapping into these trends. Josep Jove Estiarte, the company’s CEO, excitedly announces the development of the first grape variety featuring colored pulp, rich in antioxidants. “For the past decade, we have been diligently working on a new line of varieties that will provide higher antioxidant levels than blueberries,” Estiarte notes. "These grapes will not just be fruit but will aim to align with the superfruit classification, showcasing their health benefits to consumers within the next few years."
The world of fruits and vegetables is rich with genetic possibilities, and Bloom Fresh is capitalizing on this potential. “Through varietal development, we create produce adapted to diverse climates, soils, and geographical regions. This ensures better, healthier, locally-grown products for consumers,” explains Estiarte. The center’s focus on local genetics is vital; using regional cultivars for improvement allows for enhanced adaptation and resilience in new varieties.
A significant focus of Bloom Fresh is on seedless grapes, which continue to dominate global consumer preferences. “Consumer demand for seedless options has been a consistent thread throughout our 25 years in the industry. While hybridization can be a lengthy process, our commitment to understanding market trends is unwavering,” Estiarte states.
Another ambitious project under the Bloom Fresh umbrella is the development of cherries that require low chilling hours. Traditional cherry varieties may struggle in warmer climates like that of Murcia, but the new varieties aim to fill this gap. “Most cherries currently available have high chilling requirements, making them unsuitable for areas with milder winters. We are adapting California-developed varieties here, paving the way for local cherry production during the off-seasons in Europe,” Estiarte adds.
Despite potential challenges, such as the 50% cut in the Tagus-Segura water transfer, Bloom Fresh remains optimistic. “The water issue is significant; however, our support for the regional government remains strong. Murcia is a leader in fruit and vegetable production, and without water, it is challenging to sustain that leadership,” Estiarte notes. To counteract these challenges, Bloom Fresh is committed to developing varieties that require less water and optimizing their use, alongside exploring technological innovations that promise to conserve this vital resource.
The future of table grapes and cherries is being redefined in this new technological center in Murcia. The emphasis on local products packed with nutritional value aligns with consumer desire for quality and freshness. “What matters most is that consumers enjoy what we produce. Our innovations will ensure that consumers have access to healthier options that also support our growers,” Estiarte concludes.
In summary, Bloom Fresh™ is setting the stage for a revolutionary approach to fruit breeding with its new varietal innovation center. By integrating traditional breeding methods with molecular technologies, and responding to consumer trends, the company is poised to transform how table grapes and cherries are cultivated. Their steadfast commitment to sustainability and quality will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the industry and provide significant benefits to consumers around the globe.
For more information, visit Bloom Fresh’s website at bloomfreshglobal.com.
