Chilean blueberry plantation

Hortifrut and Vital Berry Marketing (VBM), respectively the largest and second-largest berry grower-exporters in Chile and South America, have announced a merger agreement.

The agreement, revealed by Hortifrut partner Naturipe Farms, means a major expansion in the group's Southern Hemisphere blueberry volume and grower base in particular.

'Vital Berry and Hortifrut are grower based companies; we share many similarities including the geographic production base, proprietary and improved varieties, a commitment to premium quality, food safety standards and premium service to our clients in North America, EU and Asia markets,' said Victor Moller, chairman of the board at Hortifrut. 'We also have a deep respect for the Vital Berry management team, the staff and their growers.'

Andrés Solari, chairman of the board for Vital Berry Marketing, said his group was delighted with the opportunity to join Hortifrut and be part of Naturipe Farms' sales and marketing organisations.

'We firmly believe they have the strategic focus and vision, the proper infrastructure and commitment to excellence to provide long term success of our production base,' Moller added. 'This merger will allow the combined companies to achieve new and better growth opportunities, improve our economies of scale, and competitiveness in our key US and international berry markets.'

Dwight Ferguson, chief executive officer of Naturipe Farms, noted: 'The combination of the two leading berry growing organisations in South America will increase Naturipe’s blueberry volume from October through April. 'The additional blueberries fill the demands from our growing client base during the seasonal 'shoulders' or transition periods when demand often outpaces supply.'

'There will be a transition period as we incorporate VBM into the Naturipe branded line of products,' said Jim Roberts, vice-president of sales. 'More importantly our objective is to ensure our customers receive the same high quality fruit and service they have come to expect from both organisations. Having this expanded grower-owned production base will allow Naturipe farms to build the strategic partnership programmes with our customers and growers.'

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