New Rejoice™ Blackberry Platform Promises Consistent Premium Fruit
Plant Sciences Genetics (PSG), a company specializing in berry breeding and genetics, has introduced a new blackberry platform called Rejoice™.
The Rejoice™ platform features a blackberry variety designed to produce high-quality fruit throughout the year. The variety was developed to provide growers, marketers, and retailers with a more reliable blackberry supply while maintaining excellent flavor, appearance, and shelf life.
One of the key benefits of the new blackberry is its ability to support year-round production. The variety requires no chilling period and can adapt to different climates, growing conditions, and planting schedules. These characteristics allow growers greater flexibility and control over their operations.
For producers, Rejoice™ offers strong yields, reduced production risks, and fruit in the first year of planting. PSG also provides agronomic support to help growers achieve the best results in the field.
“In our breeding programs, we’re evaluating berry traits preferred by growers, shippers or retailers,” said Scott Adams, who leads PSG’s blackberry breeding program. “Rejoice™ is a rare case where we don't have to pick one stakeholder over the others. It fruits in the first year. It grows steadily. It’s beautiful. The shelf life is great. Rejoiceä gives everyone in our business a reason to get excited.”
The platform is designed to help marketers as well. It offers a premium product with consistent quality and branding opportunities that can help build consumer demand. Reliable fruit quality throughout the year can also support long-term sales programs.
Retailers may benefit from the blackberry’s attractive appearance and extended shelf life. The fruit can remain fresh for more than 13 days, helping reduce product losses and improving the shopping experience for consumers.
“PSG builds and propagates best-in-class genetics so berry growers and shippers can scale and differentiate their businesses,” said JP Thompson, Commercial Vice President of PSG. “The entire supply chain has been clamoring for a blackberry with these characteristics. We’re excited to help the category reach its full potential, with Rejoice™ as a must in every berry program and basket.”
The new variety was developed through PSG’s blackberry breeding program under the leadership of breeder Scott Adams. According to the company, the blackberry combines traits valued across the supply chain, including productivity, appearance, flavor, and shelf stability.
PSG has more than 40 years of experience in berry genetics and breeding. The company is known for developing strawberry and raspberry varieties and is also advancing blueberry breeding programs for future commercialization.
Photo Credit: Plant Sciences Genetics