Company signs five-year deal with Advanced Berry Breeding to produce Malaika and Zawadi
The Summer Berry Company (TSBC) has signed a five-year licensing agreement with Advance Berry Breeding (ABB), giving it the rights to produce the Malaika (ABB135) and Zawadi (ABB136) raspberry varieties in Portugal and become a lead member of ABB’s Gold Programme.
This deal also makes TSBC the only licensee authorised to sub-license the Malaika variety in Portugal.
Following extensive trials at its production site in Portugal, TSBC said it identified substantial agronomic and commercial benefits with the Malaika variety, providing it with a strategic advantage in both production and commercial markets.
It said Malaika’s “exceptional characteristics”, including its extended shelf life, make it a standout in the raspberry market.
TSBC’s genetics director Joe de Ruse commented: “After testing Malaika on our Portugal production site, we observed significant agronomic advantages. The plant’s canopy structure facilitates easier harvesting, resulting in increased harvest speeds.
“Additionally, Malaika aligns with our sustainability goals by offering a variety that is less susceptible to plant pathogens compared to other raspberry varieties. One standout characteristic of Malaika is its uniformly aggregated drupelets, which contribute to its visually appealing and attractive fruit. Furthermore, our in-house quality control program confirmed that Malaika meets the necessary shelf-life requirements to satisfy our clients’ needs.”
Malaika has a bright orange-red colour, conical shape, and average fruit size of 7g, combining premium quality with impressive productivity, TSBC said. “As a double-cropping variety with early-to-mid-season Primocane fruit, Malaika is highly productive, yielding an average of 1.8kg/m², with picking speeds of 5–6kg per hour. Its vigorous growth and open structure contribute to efficient harvesting and long-term sustainability, further reinforcing its position as a market leader,” the company noted.
While the Zawadi variety is still in the developmental stage at TSBC, the company noted that its unique characteristics, including double-cropping potential and adaptability to various growing conditions, show promise for future commercial production.
“The Malaika sub-license in Portugal provides TSBC with a unique production and commercial edge while supporting its goal of attracting associated growers to partner with,” the company said. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to producing premium berries with consistently high standards of quality.”
