Raspberry Licensing

Raspberries are not only delicious but also highly nutritious fruits belonging to the rose family. While they come in a variety of colours, including black, purple, and yellow, the red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) is the most widely cultivated and the primary focus of our breeding efforts. Native to Europe and northern Asia, red raspberries thrive in temperate climates around the world.

However, the raspberry industry has evolved significantly in recent years. Factors such as climate change, rising labour costs, and shifting economic and political circumstances have had a profound impact on how raspberries are produced, sold, and consumed. Warming winter temperatures disrupt the natural life cycle of raspberries and the patterns of pests and diseases posing challenges to both production and sustainability. These, and many other, factors are continuously reshaping the types of raspberry varieties in demand.

At James Hutton Institute Scientific Services, we have the advantage of direct access to the expertise and facilities of The James Hutton Institute, including an extensive Rubus germplasm collection and a high health facility. Through collaboration with leading soft fruit scientists, we incorporate cutting-edge technology and innovative breeding techniques into our programmes. Since 1921, James Hutton Institute Scientific Services and its predecessors have developed 23 commercial raspberry varieties, many of which are now staples in the industry.