THE POTENTIAL for a new 'superfood' fruit, the honeyberry, could generate an income of between £10,000 and £25,000 per acre according to experts.

Tasting like a cross between a raspberry and blueberry, the berries are packed full of healthy compounds and is suited to cold climates. Growers in Scotland heard about the business potential of honeyberries last week as part of the Scottish Society for Crop Research and Bulrush Horticulture Soft Fruit Information Day, held with breeders, growers and industry representatives.

Stewart Arbuckle, from soft fruit firm PA Arbuckle and Sons - the planter of Scotland's first orchard of honeyberries - said the berry was easy to grow and had the added benefit of being the first to fruit in the season, about 10 to 14 days earlier than local strawberries.

LoveHoneyberry Solutions consultant, Logie Cassells, who spoke at the event, added: "We are pushing for more growers to plant them this year, as Scotland's climate is perfect for them. An aim of 5000 acres over the next 10 years is ambitious, but achievable. Honeyberry orchards can achieve revenues from £10,000 to £25,000 an acre, depending on your aims, passion and drive."

Rex Brennan, a soft fruit breeder at the James Hutton Institute, said researchers are collaborating with the Arbuckles in the honeyberry project: "Honeyberries originate from northern Asia, notably Siberia, and the blue-coloured fruit is of increasing interest due to its desirable qualities, including very high levels of anthocyanin pigments. This has led to commercial production in places such as Canada and now the UK."

Alison Dolan, secretary of the SSCR soft fruit subcommittee, commented: "As market trends evolve and diversify, the society is glad to present new alternatives to soft fruit growers and industry.

"We welcome this presentation about the advantages of honeyberries and hope it will be useful for our members."