Arabfields, Wellington, New Zealand — In a significant development for New Zealand’s burgeoning berry industry, The Fresh Berry Company has announced a partnership with global berry leader Driscoll’s to introduce the Eterna blueberry variety to local growers. This extraordinary cultivar, recently recognized by Guinness World Records for producing the heaviest blueberry ever recorded, promises to bring supersized fruit, described as up to the size of a ping-pong ball, to Kiwi supermarkets as early as 2026.

The move comes amid growing consumer demand for premium, larger berries that combine impressive size with exceptional flavor and quality. Plantings are already underway in the northern regions of Kerikeri and Waikato, regions well-suited to blueberry cultivation due to their favorable climate and soil conditions. This initiative not only highlights New Zealand’s role in innovative agriculture but also underscores the global collaboration driving advancements in fruit breeding.

The Eterna variety first captured international attention when a single berry from this cultivar shattered the Guinness World Record for the heaviest blueberry. Weighing in at an astonishing 20.40 grams (0.71 ounces) and measuring 39.31 millimeters in diameter, the fruit was harvested on November 13, 2023, at Costa Group’s berry farm in Corindi, New South Wales, Australia. This behemoth berry, grown by a team including senior horticulturalist Brad Hocking, Jessica Scalzo, and Marie-France Courtois, eclipsed the previous record of 16.20 grams set in Western Australia in 2020.

What makes Eterna stand out is not just its potential for enormous size, nearly 70 times heavier than an average wild blueberry, but its consistent quality. Developed by Australia’s Costa Group, the variety is prized for its large fruit, crisp texture, extended shelf life, and delightful flavor profile. Brad Hocking, who was part of the team that harvested the record berry, emphasized this balance: “Eterna as a variety has a really great flavour and consistently large fruit. When we picked this one, there were probably around 20 other berries of a similar size. This really is a delightful piece of fruit. While the fruit is large, there’s absolutely no compromise on quality or flavour as would be expected when developing a premium variety blueberry.”

The record berry was no fluke; it emerged from a bumper crop where multiple fruits approached similar dimensions, showcasing Eterna’s genetic potential under optimal growing conditions. Guinness World Records officially verified the achievement in March 2024, cementing Eterna’s status as a game-changer in the berry world.

Eterna is the product of meticulous breeding efforts by Costa Group, a leading Australian agribusiness with a strong focus on berry innovation. The company’s Variety Improvement Program (VIP), based in Corindi and operational for over 25 years, annually develops one to two new blueberry varieties of global commercial value. This program leverages Costa’s extensive network of farms across diverse climates, from mid-latitude to low-chill environments, to breed varieties that adapt to various global conditions while meeting consumer preferences for size, taste, and sustainability.

George Jessett, Costa Berries International Horticulture Manager, outlined the program’s forward-thinking approach: “We are always looking to develop new varieties that improve on the current benchmark and meet evolving customer requirements. We are also looking to breed varieties that are more adaptable to hotter climates, are more drought tolerant and with better resistance against pest and disease pressure.” These goals align with broader industry trends toward resilient crops in the face of climate change.

Costa licenses its proprietary varieties worldwide through partners like Driscoll’s, enabling global distribution while maintaining quality control. Regions including the Americas, Morocco, China, and southeast Africa already benefit from Costa-bred blueberries, with Eterna poised to expand this footprint.

While size grabs headlines, Costa emphasizes that flavor and quality remain paramount. The VIP’s rigorous selection process ensures that new varieties like Eterna deliver on multiple fronts, from farm to table.

Bringing Eterna to New Zealand required careful regulatory navigation. The plant material has been cleared and approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), paving the way for local growers to adopt the variety. The Fresh Berry Company, established in 2014 and serving as Driscoll’s exclusive agent in New Zealand, is spearheading the initiative.

Simon Tallon, general manager of The Fresh Berry Company, praised the variety’s attributes: “It’s a good, large blueberry that weighed 20.4 grams.” The partnership with Driscoll’s, a California-based company with over a century of berry expertise, ensures access to best practices in cultivation and marketing. Driscoll’s grows berries across nine regions globally, employing natural methods like cross-pollination and sustainable farming techniques.

Initial plantings in Kerikeri (part of Northland) and Waikato are strategic, capitalizing on these areas’ established berry infrastructure. Northland alone saw a 60% jump in blueberry production to nearly 300 tons in the most recent season, reflecting the region’s growing prowess. Consumers can expect Eterna berries on shelves in 2026, offering a novel snacking experience with their jumbo size and premium taste.

This introduction arrives at a pivotal time for New Zealand’s blueberry industry, which is experiencing robust growth. In the 2023–24 season, the country produced around 4,000 tonnes of blueberries, with exports valued at approximately $48 million, though the majority still serves the domestic market. Shipments have risen more than 20% year-over-year, bolstered by new trade agreements and innovation.

Organizations like Blueberries NZ are fostering this expansion through annual conferences, field days, and resources for growers. Sustainability initiatives, such as transforming blueberry byproducts into compostable packaging, highlight the sector’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

Eterna’s arrival could further elevate New Zealand’s position in the global market, appealing to health-conscious consumers who value the antioxidant-rich fruit’s nutritional benefits. Larger berries may also reduce food waste by providing more substantial portions, while their long shelf life supports export potential. As climate-resilient varieties like Eterna become standard, the industry is well-positioned for continued success.

In summary, the partnership between The Fresh Berry Company and Driscoll’s to cultivate Eterna marks a exciting chapter in horticultural innovation. From its record-breaking roots in Australia to its new home in New Zealand’s fertile north, this variety exemplifies how global collaboration can deliver bigger, better berries to the world.