The Blackberry Category Gets Ready to Rejoice: Plant Sciences Genetics Unveils the First Year-Round Primocane Blackberry; Scott Adams and JP Thompson Comment

WATSONVILLE, CA - Plant Sciences Genetics (PSG), a global leader in berry genetics, is unveiling the industry’s first year-round, low-reversion primocane blackberry variety. It’s launching under PSG’s new Rejoice™ blackberry platform at the Aneberries International Congress in Guadalajara, Mexico.

For years, growers, marketers and retailers have been waiting for a one-of-a-kind blackberry: field-proven and ready to support a year-round supply of high-quality fruit with excellent shelf life, a stunning appearance and a balanced, consistent flavor.

It’s time to rejoice, because PSG’s answer is finally here.

A New Standard of Blackberry

Never out of season and always in demand, the Rejoice™ primocane blackberry (known as BK 6-13 or by its plant patent as PS-BK3-17.006-13) is more than just a reliable varietal. The Rejoice™ brand represents the value of being a PSG blackberry licensee, which also includes access to advanced selections, early pipeline testing, agronomic support and marketing collaboration. Additionally, Rejoice™ delivers genetics optimized for a steady annual supply, with minimal or no reversion. The high-yield varietal requires zero chill, making it adaptable to various climates, altitudes and planting dates.

The Rejoice™ blackberry platform goes beyond single-variety fixes to identify, address and eliminate stress at every stage of the value chain.

For Growers

Growers get more control of their timeline with strong yields, risk-reducing genetics, first-year fruit and zero chill time. Those benefits are backed with hands-on agronomic support from PSG.

For Marketers

Rejoice™ provides a premium blackberry with a story to tell, plus robust varietal branding and co-promotion to build demand. Marketers can offer annual programs with no seasonal lull – and no more apologizing for sour, discolored or inconsistent blackberries.

For Retailers

Rejoice™ stops shoppers with a superior appearance, and it delivers an eating experience that keeps them coming back. The blackberry promises to drastically reduce shrink with a shelf life of 13+ days, nearly double traditional varieties.

This variety launch is the first from the Rejoice™ platform which was developed by PSG’s blackberry breeding program and led by experienced breeder, Scott Adams.

“In our breeding programs, we’re evaluating berry traits preferred by growers, shippers or retailers,” said Adams in the recent release. “Rejoice™ is a rare case where we don't have to pick one stakeholder over the others. It fruits in the first year. It grows steadily. It’s beautiful. The shelf life is great. Rejoice™ gives everyone in our business a reason to get excited.”

Altogether, Rejoice™ means continuous fruit with consistent flavor, texture and in-store appeal to bring year-round demand to the category. That’s something to celebrate.

More reasons to rejoice.

PSG has put more than 40 years of global expertise in berry breeding and genetics to work to bring you the Rejoice™ platform.

Rejoice™ is in good company among PSG’s portfolio of successful berry varietals. A globally known breeder in strawberries and raspberries, PSG also has 12 years of blueberry breeding efforts that will be commercialized in the next few years.

“PSG builds and propagates best-in-class genetics, so berry growers and shippers can scale and differentiate their businesses,” said JP Thompson, Commercial Vice President of PSG. “The entire supply chain has been clamoring for a blackberry with these characteristics. We’re excited to help the category reach its full potential, with Rejoice™ as a must in every berry program and basket.”

The entire berry industry and retailers throughout North America are invited to be a part of the Rejoice™ blackberry launch. See Rejoice™ plants and meet the U.S. and Mexico teams in booth 9 at the Aneberries Congress in Guadalajara. For more information and to learn how to become a licensee, visit www.rejoiceblackberry.com.