The NSG company, specializing in researching and experimenting with new strawberry and berry varieties, has consolidated its strong growth in Spain in the 2024-2025 season. 58 million plants of the NSG varieties, including NSG 203-Marimbella, Melissa, NSG 207-Gioelita, and NSG 465-Rossetta, have been planted this season in the province of Huelva, Europe's main strawberry growing area.
For NSG, this means a 16% growth in Huelva compared to last season. In recent years, the varieties have been showing excellent results in terms of fruit quality, precocity, shape, color, and taste, as well as a high success rate during cultivation and good productivity.
With these figures, Huelva is the fastest-growing region for NSG strawberry varieties. It is followed by Italy, with a 12% increase of 12% and 78 million plants.
On a global scale, this season, the company achieved a 15% growth reaching a total production of 150 million plants. Spain accounts for 39% of this total and Italy accounts for 52%. The remaining 9% is distributed among other production areas in the Mediterranean basin.
NSG 203-Marimbella is the earliest ripening variety and accounts for a 47% share of NSG's breeding program for the 2024-2025 season. Other important varieties are Melissa (20%) and NSG 207-Gioelita (13%). The NSG 465-Rossetta, launched in 2020, has now reached a share of 12% with 17 million plants. Other varieties and cultivars in the testing phase account for the remaining share.
"NSG varieties are a success because our research focuses on the needs of producers and different market segments. One of the strengths of Marimbella, for example, is its precocity and productivity in the autumn and winter months. It is one of the most appreciated varieties by producers in the Mediterranean basin because of its bright red color and uniform shape, even at low temperatures," stated Carmela Suriano, the company's Director.
The production of this variety in pots began in November in Spain, Italy, Greece, Morocco, and Albania; while the fresh plants were obtained in the last days of December.
Meanwhile, NSG 465-Rossetta is showing impressive results in the premium segment. With 17 million plants by 2024, this variety has confirmed its potential thanks to its excellent fruit quality, attractive shape and color, delicious flavor, and long shelf life. The harvest of Rossetta begins at the end of January and continues until the end of May.
Thanks to positive feedback from growers and breeders, NSG continues to work on the development of innovative strawberry and berry varieties that meet the current needs of the various players in the supply chain.
The company carries out important research and testing activities at its experimental fields in Policoro. "This year, we have about 25,000 strawberry, raspberry, and blackberry selections in various stages of development. Our goal is to identify the varieties of the future," stated Nicola Tufaro, NSG geneticist. "The trial fields at our nurseries and breeders in the NSG network in different Mediterranean areas and other temperate climate zones play a crucial role in this. This helps us to analyze the performance of our selections on a larger scale and their adaptability under different growing conditions."
NSG is organizing another open day at its Policoro research and experimentation center this spring.
The company will soon provide more information about how to participate in the event.
For more information:
Nova Siri Genetics
www.novasirigenetics.com