Breaking Ground on the World’s Most Advanced Fruit Breeding Center in Murcia

May 28, 2025

In a historic milestone for global agricultural innovation, BLOOM FRESH™ has officially placed the first stone of its new Breeding & Technology Center in Blanca, Murcia (Spain). This facility, scheduled for completion by 2026, represents a €20 million investment that will consolidate the region as the international hub for next-generation fruit genetics.

A Strategic Hub for Global Innovation

The ceremony was presided over by the President of the Region of Murcia, Fernando López Miras, alongside Álvaro Muñoz (CEO of AMFRESH Group) and Josep Estiarte (CEO of BLOOM FRESH™). While the company considered other major agricultural powers like Chile, Peru, or South Africa, the final decision to anchor in Blanca underscores its confidence in the region’s specialized talent and its 20-year history of pioneering viticulture.

The center will span 80 hectares, divided into:

35 hectares of trial fields for real-world testing.
45 hectares dedicated to cutting-edge research, smart offices, and a 20,000 m² state-of-the-art greenhouse complex.

Pushing the Boundaries of Cherries and Table Grapes

The new center will be the engine for the next wave of patented varieties. During the event, Josep Estiarte highlighted the company’s ambitious vision for the cherry category, which currently faces limitations due to “chill hour” requirements.

“Our goal is to provide cherries 52 weeks a year without an exorbitant cost to the consumer,” stated Estiarte. He also noted that the next frontier for the R&D team in Blanca will be the development of seedless cherries, a challenge that would transform global consumption patterns.

In the table grape sector, the facility will continue to refine world-renowned varieties such as Sweet Globe™, Sweet Celebration™, Allison™, and the award-winning Cotton Candy™, ensuring they meet the “triple threat” of high yield, post-harvest resilience, and exceptional flavor.

Science-Driven Sustainability

By utilizing advanced natural hybridization—a meticulous manual process supported by high-tech genomic reading—BLOOM FRESH™ aims to create “super-fruits” that are:

Climate-Resilient: Adapted to low-chill environments and extreme weather.
Healthier: With higher nutritional value and antioxidants.
Sustainable: Naturally resistant to diseases, reducing the need for chemical interventions and meeting “zero-residue” global standards.

A Launchpad for the Future

With more than 30 highly skilled professionals—including biotechnologists and agronomists—the Blanca center will empower a global network of over 2,000 growers across five continents. As Álvaro Muñoz noted, this facility is not just a building, but a “launchpad to unlock the full potential of nature and science,” ensuring the future of fresh fruit is both flavorful and sustainable.