Berry Genetics & Global Market Trends | Ep. 110

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Agrarius. Find out more: ⁠https://www.agrarius.co.za/?ref=recR9vP8u5CYfEOek&utm_source=lucentlands&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=LucentLandsPromo⁠Visit our agricultural stock site: https://lucentlands.smugmug.com/In this episode, hosts Dewald Kirsten and Louise Brodie sit down with Hans Liekens, Global Head of Marketing & Innovation at Planasa, one of the world’s largest berry-breeding powerhouses. Recorded live at the IBO Summit, this conversation dives deep into the future of blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, asparagus, avocados and even zero-chill cherries.Hans shares his journey from major FMCG companies like PepsiCo and Chiquita to leading innovation in global horticulture. The discussion covers the expanding role of genetics, new breeding programs, global retail trends, sustainability, organic production, and South Africa’s hidden competitive advantages in the global berry market.From carbon footprint calculations that favour South African exporters, to why flavour segmentation will become the “pink lady moment” for blueberries, Hans offers a rare insider’s perspective from someone who speaks directly with supermarket buyers worldwide.He also reveals exciting developments such as low-chill cherries, new raspberry and blackberry genetics coming to South Africa, and Planasa’s expanding global R&D network across seven regions.Whether you're in berry production, horticulture, agribusiness, retail sourcing, or simply passionate about the future of fresh produce, this episode offers a wealth of insight into how global trends are reshaping the industry.Key Takeaways•Planasa’s expansion from asparagus and strawberries into all four major berries — blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries — plus avocados and zero-chill cherries.•South Africa’s unique advantages: sustainability, shipping carbon footprint, flavour profile, season length, and potential for organic production.•Why supermarkets increasingly want one-stop suppliers and how this benefits Southern African growers.•The massive gap and opportunity in organic blueberries for Europe and the UK.•Why flavour segmentation in blueberries will follow the same trajectory as tomatoes and Pink Lady apples.•How supermarkets’ sourcing models, climate constraints, and consumer expectations shape global breeding pipelines.•The importance of the IBO Summit for global collaboration, networking, and industry alignment.Connect with us:Website: https://lucentlands.co.za/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lucentlandsmedia/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucentlandsmediaLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lucentlandsmedia/Support this podcast by buying us a coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/lucentlands?new=1