Ivan Leache

Iván Leache

BerryWorld has opened a new division in Spain to oversee its rapidly expanding southern European production. Based in Lepe, BerryWorld Iberia is headed up by Iván Leache, formerly of Navarra-based breeder Planasa, who has almost two decades of experience in the soft fruit sector.

“BerryWorld has been working for years in the area, not only in Huelva but also Morocco and increasingly in Portugal and our production has expanded to include raspberries, blackberries and blueberries as well as strawberries,” Leache told Fruitnet. “BerryWorld Iberia will allow us to better coordinate this increased volume and improve customer service.”

The subsidiary will also serve as a springboard into new markets in southern Europe where demand for soft fruit continues to strengthen.

“Southern Europe is an important production zone and we look forward to developing the market in the future,” Leache said.