BLOOM FRESH™ acquires the Inka’s Berries breeding programme, a pioneer in no-chill blueberry varieties.
October 8th, 2024 – BLOOM FRESH™, one of the world leading fruit breeding companies, announces the acquisition of the Inka’s Berries breeding program, further expanding its global footprint in the development of innovative, high-quality fruit varieties. This strategic acquisition marks a significant milestone in the BLOOM FRESH™ commitment to secure a tastier, healthier and more sustainable future, through the power of natural breeding, for growers, consumers and the planet.
Inka’s Berries, founded in Peru, is a blueberry breeding program responsible for creating premium blueberry varieties such as Abril Blue+ and Alessia Blue+ together with an extensive pipeline of new blueberry selections in development that can play a major role in the future of food security. Their no-chill requirements give them adaptability to diverse growing conditions. As well as operating and growing in the lead market of Peru, the Inka’s Berries varieties have already begun to expand to countries in South America, Europe, and Africa, with great potential for further growth of the blueberry market. This acquisition will allow BLOOM FRESH™ to leverage its global scale in grape cultivation and cherry breeding to expand on this market growth and unlock the potential of these varieties worldwide.
Josep Estiarte, CEO of BLOOM FRESH™, commented on the acquisition: “Inka’s Berries breeding program is unique in its ability to cultivate blueberries in new regions and geographies, and we are thrilled to bring their expertise and groundbreaking varieties into the BLOOM FRESH™ family. Together, we will continue our mission to drive sustainability and innovation in fruit breeding, offering growers and consumers around the world the highest quality fruit varieties.”
Carlos Gereda Cornejo, Founder & Chairman of Inka’s Berries added, “As the original no-chill blueberry breeding program in Peru, Inka’s Berries varieties are uniquely positioned to transform the presence of blueberries in Peru and around the world. We are very proud of what we have achieved to introduce this amazing breeding program to the world. We feel that now is the perfect time to partner with a forward-thinking company like BLOOM FRESH™ to expand the footprint and accelerate the impact of our blueberry program worldwide.”
BLOOM FRESH™ is recognized for its world-class breeding programs in table grapes, cherries, raisins, and now blueberries. The company is dedicated to development of new fruit varieties using natural breeding techniques, developing disease-resistant, climate change resilient, and flavorful fruit varieties that enhance the consumer experience while promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
The acquisition strengthens the BLOOM FRESH™ ambition of increasing fruit consumption worldwide by offering premium, high-quality varieties that can be grown in diverse climates. This move also aligns with the company’s sustainability goals, focusing on providing innovative solutions to some of the major challenges facing the fruit industry such as climate change and food waste.
Alvaro Muñoz, CEO of AMFRESH™ Group, the majority stakeholder and primary owner of BLOOM FRESH™, stated, “I take great pride in the journey we are on at AMFRESH™, driven by the passion and ingenuity of our genetic teams who are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible. The integration of Inka’s Berries into the BLOOM FRESH™ portfolio is a testament to our commitment to innovation and sustainability. These unprecedented no-chill blueberry varieties offer a glimpse of the future—where agriculture can adapt and thrive even in the most challenging climates. BLOOM FRESH™ is booming with promise, rapidly establishing itself as a powerhouse in varietal innovation, and we are excited to expand our grower base and scale partnerships with retailers worldwide. We are dedicated to empowering our teams, respecting and acting as true stewards of nature, and advancing with operational excellence. With every step, we continue to nurture the next generation of talent, building a future where fresh, healthy, and sustainable food is accessible to all.”
Carl Johan Renström, Partner in EQT Future’s Advisory Team, an investor in BLOOM FRESH™, shares his perspective: “We are deeply impressed by what Carlos and his team have accomplished. They have pioneered blueberry varietal development in Peru and built a truly unique no-chill breeding program. With BLOOM FRESH™’s global scale and expertise, the leading no-chill varieties will become accessible to growers, retailers, and consumers worldwide at an accelerated pace.
