Blueberry Licensing
Blueberries are one of the most popular soft fruits on the market. By listening to industry, we breed high-quality, nutritious and delicious blueberries that meet today’s industry needs.
We license premium varieties developed in close partnership with industry. Our blueberry breeding programme focuses on flavour, nutrition and adaptability, delivering varieties suited to evolving market and environmental demands.
The future of blueberries – sweet and resilient
Blueberries, native to North America, are celebrated for their colour and high antioxidant content. However, their flavour, sweetness, and texture can vary considerably depending on the variety, growing conditions, and transport distance. The northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum), which thrives in cooler climates and northern regions, is the most commonly cultivated species commercially.
Traditionally, Scottish blueberries commanded a premium price in early autumn, as they ripen later than most European grown blueberries and at a time when few were available worldwide. However, the development of new varieties that do not require a winter chill has enabled blueberries to be grown more widely around the world. With demand for blueberries continuing to rise across the world, there is now a significant opportunity to create varieties specifically suited to European climates and consumer preferences.
Our experienced breeding team collaborates closely with industry partners to create varieties that meet the evolving needs of growers and consumers. We offer tailored breeding programmes that deliver the desired qualities for our partners.
Eleanor Gilroy, Commercialisation and Licensing Manager
We are committed to breeding blueberry varieties that excel in taste and texture with high yielding, resilient plants.
At James Hutton Institute Scientific Services, we benefit from direct access to the expertise and facilities of The James Hutton Institute. By incorporating cutting-edge technology and innovative breeding techniques, we are at the forefront of advancing blueberry breeding. Since 2017, we have been investing in blueberry breeding with some great tasting material soon emerging for commercial release.
For more information contact: licensing@huttonltd.com
Licensed blueberry varieties provide improved traits such as fruit quality, productivity and plant resilience. Through its breeding work, James Hutton Institute Scientific Services develops varieties designed to meet the needs of modern fruit production.
Growers and commercial partners can work with James Hutton Institute Scientific Services to obtain licences that allow the propagation and commercial cultivation of protected blueberry varieties.
Blueberry licensing supports growers, nurseries, fruit producers and the wider food supply chain by providing access to high-quality varieties suitable for commercial production.
Contact for more information
Dr Eleanor Gilroy
Commercialisation and Licensing Manager
Based in Dundee
T: +44 (0)1382568827
- BSc Genetics (Hons) (1997-2001) Edinburgh University
- PhD Molecular Plant Pathology (2001-2005) Edinburgh University/SCRI
- Researcher specializing in plant immune responses to Phytophthora diseases affecting potato and raspberries (2005- 2024) SCRI/James Hutton Institute
- Published 32 papers (with 6 in preparation)
- Google Scholar h-index=31
- Commercialisation and Licensing Manager in James Hutton Limited the trade mark name for James Hutton Institute Scientific Services (2024- present)
