Spotlight on ArabellaBlue® ‘FC14-062’ & LoretoBlue™ 'FC11-118' 

We are excited to highlight two high-performing varieties that meet the real-world needs of growers, making an impact across trials and commercial sites. 

ArabellaBlue® ‘FC14-062’: A vigorous, early-fruiting variety with broad adaptability. It delivers consistently high yields and exceptional fruit quality, with aromatic flavour and excellent post-harvest firmness, even after long-term storage. 

LoretoBlue™ ‘FC11-118’: This variety delivers high yields of large, uniform fruit with excellent shelf life. Its firmness, consistent cane renewal and ability to hold fruit on the plant make it a strong candidate for mechanical harvest. 

Revisit last year’s Fall Creek® Collection Webinar for an in-depth look at both varieties, including grower feedback and trial performance: Watch the highlight video now. 


Pruning Tips for ArabellaBlue® 'FC14-062' 

Get the best from one of our most vigorous varieties. Our technical team shares top pruning techniques to boost fruit size and airflow. 

At this year’s Blueberry School, our technical team shared a detailed walkthrough on pruning ArabellaBlue® 'FC14-062’, one of our most vigorous and productive varieties.  

Key tips to pruning ArabellaBlue® 'FC14-062':   

  • Clear the base: Cut older branches close to the soil to avoid small, unproductive shoots. 
  • Open the centre: Remove crossing or crowded branches to improve airflow and light. 
  • Focus energy: Take out weak canes with many small laterals to encourage larger, better fruit. 

The video guide is now available to view online. Watch now. 
 

Looking ahead: Spotlight on FC11-164 

As grower needs continue to shift, Fall Creek® is focused on the future of efficient blueberry production. One promising development is FC11-164, a new selection currently in commercial trials across Europe, the US and Chile. Shared with trusted growers in spring 2024, this variety is designed with mechanical harvesting in mind. 

FC11-164 delivers firm, flavourful fruit with a crisp bite and a high concentration of ripening, traits that support one or two-pass harvesting without compromising quality. 

Trial results will be closely evaluated through 2026 and 2027, guiding decisions around a potential commercial release. This is part of our broader effort to support growers as they adapt to changing labour dynamics and rising operational pressures. 

Have questions? Get in touch with your Fall Creek® Grower Support representative to learn more or schedule a site visit. 

Discuss on Facebook