Scottish berry grower and supplier, Angus Soft Fruits took home the “best new edible crop variety” award for their Ava Star strawberry, at the Horticulture Week Business Awards.
The new breed was designed by their development arm Angus Innovate, and was bred for improved taste, texture and appearance as well as disease resistance and yield.
The day neutral strawberry yields up to one month longer than other varieties, significantly extending the UK strawberry growing season.
Dave Griffiths, Angus Soft Fruits research director and head breeder said: “It’s a great achievement to have won ‘best new edible crop variety’ at this year’s Horticulture Week Awards. It’s taken years of hard work to develop the Ava Star strawberry, so to be recognised for what we know to be a high-quality product, that’s popular with retailers and customers alike makes it all worthwhile.”
The company picked up further recognition with one of their growers, farm manager Allen Innes, receiving a commendation in the “soft fruit grower of the year” category.
Lochy Porter, managing director of Angus Soft Fruits and owner of East Seaton farm where Innes works, said: “What a season it’s been for Ava berries – congratulations to the whole team for their commitment and dedication over the past few years to develop this incredible tasting strawberry. We couldn’t have done it without them.
“Congratulations also to Allen, he is well-deserving of this commendation and we’re incredibly proud to have him as our farm manager.”
