Jun 12, 2019

Driscoll’s debuts new sweeter, ‘rosé’ berry varieties

Berry giant Driscoll’s June 12 rolled out strawberry and raspberry varieties it said were bred for consumer-centered traits of color and taste.

The new products are Rosé Berries, which the company describes as “blush-colored strawberries and raspberries bred for their unique color and aromatic flavor,” and Sweetest Batch, “strawberries and raspberries each grown from one proprietary variety and selected for their extra sweet flavor profile.”

Driscoll’s research and development department breeds proprietary berry varieties exclusively for its network of independent growers. Driscoll’s didn’t immediately respond to questions about which of its growers produced the berries for the project.

“Introducing an immersive berry eating experience with both Rosé Berries and Sweetest Batch is a testament to our thoughtful and dedicated breeding process,” said Rick Harrison, vice president of global variety development.

Driscoll’s team of agronomists, breeders, sensory analysts, plant health scientists and entomologists spend years developing new proprietary varieties, including these new limited-edition offerings, through traditional breeding methods – no GMOs, according to a news release from the company.

“It’s taken a long time to perfect these offerings – not only for the trend-forward color and desirable texture but for the superior taste,” said Fran Dillard, senior director, brand and product marketing at Driscoll’s.

Some berries are available in some locations currently, but will only be in season for a few months. Driscolls is encouraging consumers to locate retailers at www.driscolls.com/limitededition.

“With Rosé Berries and Sweetest Batch, we’ve introduced a premium new product that offers a depth of flavor variety remarkably different than anything else in the category,” said Naomi Sakoda, Driscoll’s product marketing manager. “Our team has worked tirelessly to offer the flavor-forward, highly enjoyable berries consumers have come to expect from Driscoll’s.”

Here’s how the company is marketing the two new products:

Driscoll’s Rosé Berries
Available in both strawberry and raspberry varieties, Rosé Berries get their beautiful light-pink hue from the non-GMO breeding methods used by Driscoll’s Joy Makers. Rosé Strawberries have a smooth, silky, creamy texture that delivers a sweet, peachy flavor paired with a soft floral finish. Rosé Raspberries get their sunset coloring from their parents, the golden and red raspberries. As with the Rosé Strawberry, the flavor profile promises a sweet taste sensation.

Driscoll’s Sweetest Batch
For berry lovers looking for an even richer eating experience, Driscoll’s has unveiled Sweetest Batch, a collection of high-flavor strawberries and raspberries that inspires delicious and memorable moments of delightful indulgence, whether at a picnic in the park or in the kitchen around the family table.