The latest news, trends, analysis, interviews and podcasts from the global food and beverage industry

Suntory Beverage & Food Great Britain and Ireland (SBF GB&I) has made an investment of £920,000 over the next five years to enhance the resilience of blackcurrant varieties through a collaboration with the James Hutton Institute.

This initiative aims to address the challenges posed by climate change and improve the sustainability of blackcurrant production for its flagship Ribena brand.

The investment comes in response to recent extreme weather conditions in the UK, including the driest and sunniest spring on record, which has led to early harvests and highlighted the urgent need for crop varieties that can withstand environmental stress.

The breeding programme will focus on developing blackcurrants that are not only resilient to heat and drought but also naturally resistant to pests and diseases, reducing reliance on chemical pesticides.

Harriet Prosser, agronomist at SBF GB&I, said: “This season’s weather extremes have shown that investment in fruit varietal breeding is vital to protect the future of both the blackcurrant crop and the growers who depend on it. We look forward to working with the James Hutton Institute to make sure Ribena remains a beloved British favourite for generations to come.”

The breeding program will prioritise consistent yields and the preservation of Ribena's distinctive flavour profile, ensuring that the product remains a staple in the beverage market.

The James Hutton Institute's research will employ advanced molecular techniques to identify and cultivate blackcurrant varieties with strong natural defences against common pests and diseases.

This approach not only supports growers in adapting to changing agricultural conditions but also aligns with broader industry trends towards sustainable farming practices.

In addition to developing resilient berry varieties, the programme will implement new field-based and laboratory tools aimed at improving yield forecasting.

These advancements will provide growers with more accurate predictions regarding crop performance, enabling better planning amid unpredictable weather patterns. This is particularly crucial as the industry faces increasing volatility due to climate change.

Dr Amanda Moura, a soft fruit breeder at the James Hutton Institute, added: “At the Institute, we are strongly committed to the development of a new generation of blackcurrant varieties that can continue thriving in the UK while adapting to the challenges posed by climate change and pests’ pressures."

She continued: “This work offers greater security and long-term sustainability to our growers and to the industry. It is a great pleasure to be part of a project like this and to contribute to a fruitful future for British blackcurrant production.”

By focusing on both environmental resilience and flavour, the programme seeks to ensure that British blackcurrants continue to thrive in a challenging agricultural landscape.