Suntory Beverage and Food invests £920,000 in blackcurrant breeding programme with Hutton Scientific Services
The Hutton’s Scientific Services are delighted to announce an investment of £920,000 over the next five years from Suntory Beverage and Food GB&I (SBF GB&I) to support the development of more resilient blackcurrant varieties that deliver the iconic taste of Ribena.
This investment will accelerate work to develop new varieties of berries that produce consistent yields in the face of climate challenges.
Blackcurrants will be bred to withstand extreme weather, pests and diseases, while still preserving their taste.
Dr Amanda Moura, Soft Fruit Breeder at the Hutton said, “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.
“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.
“We all know that blackcurrants are incredibly powerful for our health. They are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and other nutrients that support overall well-being. In addition to addressing the pressures of climate change, we are also committed to maintaining the high nutritional value of these berries and increasing it wherever possible. Our breeding programme focuses on maintaining high natural content of vitamin C and anthocyanins and enhancing their natural sweetness.”
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 Hutton to make sure Ribena remains a beloved British favourite for generations to come.”
“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.”
Dr Amanda Moura, The James Hutton Institute
The Hutton breeding programme, created in partnership with SBF GB&I, has several core objectives which focus on delivering consistent yields, resilience and the distinct Ribena flavour profile.
By developing blackcurrant varieties that can deliver consistent yields despite environmental stress, including limited winter chilling, heat, and drought, researchers aim to support more reliable flowering and fruit set even under unpredictable weather conditions. New field-based and laboratory tools will deliver earlier and more accurate yield forecasts, giving growers the confidence to plan around unpredictable or extreme weather events.
The programme will also focus on resistance to pests and diseases, particularly those that significantly impact blackcurrant yields. As plant protection products continue to be withdrawn in the UK, growers are becoming more reliant on varieties with strong natural resistance. To address this, the breeding programme will prioritise cultivars that can withstand major field pests and diseases, reducing the need for chemical control. Using molecular markers developed at the Hutton, plants resistant to these threats can now be identified early in the breeding process and are currently being trialled to support more sustainable blackcurrant production.
Every potential berry type will undergo flavour and nutritional testing. This will help to ensure that the iconic taste of Ribena is retained, while health benefits are potentially increased.
