The Community Plant Variety Office (CPVO) has granted Community plant variety protection to a new set of highbush blueberry varieties (Vaccinium corymbosum L.), under Decision No. EU 71461 adopted on 16 February in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No. 2100/94.
This ruling recognises the Netherlands-based company FV.BV as the holder of the rights to eight varieties—‘FV1901’, ‘FV1902’, ‘FV1903’, ‘FV1904’, ‘FV1905’, ‘FV1906’, ‘FV1907’ and ‘FV1908’. The protection extends across the entire European Union and will remain in force until 31 December 2056.
For Onubafruit, which holds exclusive licensing rights in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, the decision reinforces its strategy of leveraging varietal innovation as a key driver of competitiveness. The newly protected varieties stand out for their performance, fruit quality and adaptability to international markets, in a context where genetic differentiation is becoming increasingly critical.
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Market recognition further supports this positioning. Varieties linked to the group have been awarded by the International Taste Institute and have achieved strong acceptance among European retailers, who value their consistency, reliability and overall quality.
Access to protected varieties also enhances grower profitability, contributes to farm stability and generates added value in rural areas, aligning innovation with sustainability goals.
At a broader industry level, the CPVO’s decision highlights the growing importance of plant breeding and genetic improvement as key levers in the transformation of the blueberry sector amid intensifying global competition.
