Growers in both regions are reporting harvest dates that are noticeably ahead of schedule – so early, in fact, that Tropical Blue may now be positioned as the earliest-producing blueberry variety currently grown in these key Mediterranean supply origins.
This earliness is proving strategically important. With markets hungry for high-quality blueberries at the start of the Northern Hemisphere winter, Tropical Blue is allowing growers to capture strong early-season pricing while offering retailers a reliable supply of premium fruit at a time of limited availability.
Beyond its timing advantage, Tropical Blue continues to demonstrate the fruit attributes that have earned it a reputation for excellence. Berries are consistently large, firm, and highly uniform, with a naturally sweet flavour profile that holds well throughout the harvest window. These characteristics make the variety well suited for both domestic programmes and long-distance export markets where firmness and shelf life are essential.
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Yield potential is another defining strength. At just 2.5 years of age, commercial plantings in Spain are forecast to deliver approximately 6 kilograms of Class 1 fruit per plant this season – a notable result for a young plant and a clear indicator of its long-term commercial viability. As these plantings mature, growers anticipate even stronger performance, further enhancing the variety’s return on investment.
With its combination of ultra-early harvest timing, high fruit quality and strong yield potential, Tropical Blue is emerging as a standout option for producers seeking to secure an early foothold in the global blueberry market. For many growers, it represents not only an agronomic advantage but a meaningful commercial opportunity.
