For almost 75 years, The James Hutton Institute has been a world-leading pioneer in soft fruit breeding and trialling, developing more than 40 varieties of delicious raspberries, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, gooseberries, tayberries, honeyberries, and more.
At the forefront of transformative science for the sustainable management of land, crop and nature resources, the research organisation’s breeding programme supports the entire soft fruit supply chain from growers to marketing organisations and retailers. It addresses challenges facing the industry, including improved means for pest and disease control, resistance to climate change, and the rising cost of production, helping more people to enjoy Scottish-grown fruit.
Named after Scottish Bens, Lochs and Glens, The James Hutton Institute’s berries are grown in more than 30 countries around the world, and international sales of its varieties have reached £93.4 million, with raspberries and blackberries leading the way. What’s more, in July 2025, The James Hutton Institute announced it had successfully bred Scotland’s first blueberry, Highland Charm, at its Invergowrie site, which researchers believe has tremendous potential, as UK consumers buy around 60,000 tonnes of blueberries per year, but 90% of them are imported from overseas. It is expected to be on supermarket shelves in around two or three years’ time.
Image Credits: James Hutton Institute
As part of its commitment to the sector, every year, Hutton also holds Fruit for the Future, an industry event that brings together farmers, agronomists, scientists and food and drink industry representatives to discuss cutting-edge soft fruit research. The 2025 event included a range of discussions and insightful tours, and even featured a demonstration of the prototype Mean Steam Machine, developed by Hutton in collaboration with Powerwasher Services Ltd, which controls weeds by steam only, and was awarded a commendation by the Royal Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland.
With global reach from its base in Scotland, The James Hutton Institute is helping to spread the word about the fertile soils, abundant clean water, and milder summer temperatures that make our berries some of the best in the world.
Image Credits: James Hutton Institute
