A new variety developed by Bloom Fresh™ has burst onto the blueberry scene: Matías™.
Matías has its origins in a genetic program developed by the University of Georgia, which was later consolidated through Inka's Berries in Peru. In October 2024, following the acquisition of the breeding program by Bloom Fresh™, Matias™, among other varieties, arrived to further strengthen the company's position in the premium high-quality fruit segment, giving a boost to the development of blueberry genetics globally.
© Caliplant
Bloom Fresh™ and Caliplant Group are currently working together to commercially promote this variety in Europe and North Africa, and they are getting a very positive response thanks to the solid results observed in field trials.
"Its genetics have been designed to be very robust and productive, with an outstandingly easy agronomic management," says José María Martín Santana, technical and R&D&I manager of Caliplant Group for Spain and Morocco. "The results of the trials in both regions, in Huelva and Morocco - two areas with strong climatic contrasts - have been decisive in positioning Matías™ as a solid option for growers. In both cases, the variety has shown outstanding resistance to sudden temperature changes, withstanding the occasional cold of the Huelva winter, and also heat peaks of up to 50 °C in Agadir."
© CaliplantOpen days held in the Moroccan city of Agadir, Morocco.
According to José María Martín, this hardiness is no coincidence. "The original selection was made in Peru's extremely demanding conditions, looking for plants capable of tolerating high humidity, which is conducive to fungal diseases, and heat stress. One of the strengths of Matías™ is its very low susceptibility to common blueberry fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew."
"As for thrips, one of the most problematic pests for berries, comparative trials have shown that Matías™ performs better than the control varieties, reducing losses and simplifying phytosanitary management."
"It also shows superior tolerance to the use of average quality water, or water from desalination plants; a key aspect for areas with water limitations," says José María. "The result is a variety that's highly adaptable to temperature fluctuations and climatic variations, with great agronomic stability throughout the crop cycle."
"As a plant, Matías™ stands out for its balanced vegetative vigor and for developing a very powerful root system. This results in a high productivity, with more than 4.5 kg per plant in the second year, well above what was initially expected in the testing phase."
© Caliplant
© Caliplant
"70% of the fruit harvested is larger than 18 mm"
As a zero-chill variety, Matías™ ripens early and fruit becomes available in November. 70-75% of its production is ready between January and April/May.
"The fruit stands out for its large size, ranging between 16 and 24 mm, with 70% of the production exceeding 18 mm, in line with market demands, and above all, with a very sweet flavor and around 13-14 degrees Brix, which leaves nobody indifferent."
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"The blueberries have a very good bloom, production costs are lower compared to other varieties, and the plant's good response to pruning is remarkable. In addition to this, its post-harvest shelf life is also outstanding, staying in good condition after more than 55 days in storage, without losing firmness or organoleptic quality."
Another advantage of Matías™ is its fruit architecture. The flowering is well-distributed along the productive branches, with no tendency to form tight bunches. This doesn't just facilitate the harvesting and the detection of the cutting point; it also helps speed up the harvest, which can be brought 10 to 12 days forward, and to reduce labor costs.
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"In October 2026, new plant material will be available once again"
This combination of agronomic ease, fruit quality, and long shelf life is allowing the first commercial batches of the Matías™ to be very well-accepted in the market. But there's another key feature boosting interest in this blueberry: its access strategy. Unlike other premium varieties that operate through sub-licenses in large groups, Bloom Fresh™ seeks to open up these genetics to all types of growers, allowing them to compete on equal terms in the European market.
"In fact, the variety has sparked so much interest that all plants for this season are already reserved. Producers interested in growing the variety will have to wait until October 2026, when we will again have plant material available, and seeing the demand it has generated, we recommend reserving plants well in advance to avoid being left without Matías™ plants for next season."
For more information:
Caliplant Group
Paraje Los Rastrojos, Polígono 9 - Parcela 48
Apt. Correos, 329
30730 San Javier, Murcia, Spain
P.O. Box 13408
San Luis Obispo, CA 93406, USA
https://www.caliplant.com/
Bloom Fresh
Vereda de Fortuna, 35
30110 Cabezo de Torres, Murcia, Spain
https://bloomfreshglobal.com
