Global Plant Genetics is pleased to introduce Ervin, an exciting new floricane blackberry from North Carolina State University’s renowned breeding programme.

Ervin is the second patented blackberry released by NC State breeder Dr Gina Fernandez and follows more than four years of extensive evaluation and trials. The variety has now been licensed to Global Plant Genetics for development outside the United States, marking the beginning of its journey into international markets.

As the international representative for Von, also developed by NC State, GPG has already seen the considerable potential of the university’s blackberry genetics. Von has achieved impressive results across a range of commercial production systems, helping to build confidence among growers and establish a strong position within the premium fresh blackberry market.

Ervin represents the next generation of this successful breeding programme.

Developed for the modern blackberry consumer, Ervin has been selected for its exceptional eating quality. Its flavour profile combines increased sweetness with lower acidity, delivering the enjoyable and balanced experience increasingly demanded within the premium fresh-fruit category.

As an earlier-season floricane variety, Ervin also naturally complements the later harvest window of Von.

Together, the two varieties offer the potential to extend the supply season while providing growers

and marketers with access to two premium blackberries originating from the same trusted programme.

Alongside its excellent flavour, Ervin has demonstrated exciting commercial productivity and strong yield potential. These characteristics make it an important addition to the developing GPG blackberry portfolio and a promising opportunity for growers seeking distinctive genetics for premium fresh-market production.

The launch of Ervin also showcases the value of long-term scientific research and carefully focused plant breeding. Through extensive selection and evaluation, the NC State programme continues to deliver genetics that respond to the evolving requirements of growers, supply chains and consumers.

Von has already demonstrated what these genetics can achieve internationally. We look forward to building on that success with Ervin and exploring the contribution this next-generation variety can make to the future of the global blackberry market.