Strawberries: new varieties

Strawberries are available year-round, but consumption still shows a strong seasonal pattern. When spring arrives in the Netherlands and Belgium, production and consumption skyrocket. The main driver of this growth is taste. Consumers have high expectations of the taste of strawberries. To meet these high expectations, the development of new strawberry varieties continues unabated.

Strawberry consumption is mainly driven by taste. The perfect strawberry has a great taste, an attractive appearance, a bright colour and a good shelf life. In addition, a slight firmness is important so that the fruits can be picked, packaged and transported properly.

Strawberries that lack flavour, are too soft or have a hard core can deter consumers from returning to make a repeat purchase. Strawberry quality is highly dependent on the weather. Growers can encounter problems during prolonged hot weather. Strawberries need sufficient temperature variation between day and night to maintain their flavour.

The right variety

Choosing the right variety is very important for retailers and producers. Variations in size, colour and firmness ensure a wide range of flavours. Many new strawberry varieties are coming onto the market and many more are currently being developed.

Shelf life is very important. In summer, this is a major problem, especially in supermarkets, when temperatures rise to 30 degrees. In our lab, we immediately see a decline in quality as a result of spoilage and wetness. But shelf life was also a problem in other seasons during the gas crisis. Lowering heating costs can result in fragile and softer fruit. Shelf life is therefore very important for new varieties.

With many new strawberry varieties coming onto the market, choosing the right variety has never been more important for growers, retailers and consumers.

Your partner in the world of fruit and vegetables

The quality and availability of fruit and vegetables fluctuate constantly. In addition to daily tasks such as inspecting fruit and vegetables, there are new challenges. These include reducing packaging materials, the increasing focus on taste, the fruit and vegetable knowledge of new staff, improving specifications, optimising seasonal transitions and introducing new cultivation techniques.

In this complex fruit and vegetable world, Normec Foodcare is your partner. We give you control over the quality of fresh produce. We do this by:

• Monitoring quality in supermarkets

• Product comparisons

• Shelf life testing

• Taste testing

• Store inspections

• Product specifications

• Secondment of inspectors & quality managers

• Fresh produce quality training

Our team of fruit and vegetable experts and inspectors is there for you. With many years of knowledge and experience, we know better than anyone how you, as a grower, importer or supermarket chain, can make a difference in fruit and vegetables.

Need help?

We are happy to help you with complex quality issues. Together with you, we make a difference in the daily lives of consumers. Take a look at what we can do for you or contact us. Our fresh produce experts are happy to help you.

Author: Normec Foodcare

Knowledge partner in food safety, product quality and taste