Hortifrut to take over Atlantic Blue

An agreement has been reached for Hortifrut to purchase Atlantic Blue, a Spanish leader in the development, production and marketing of berries in Europe and Northern Africa. The deal will allow Hortifrut to increase its growing area by about 20%, adding about 850ha across the three countries in which Atlantic Blue operates, including 400ha in Spain, 248ha in Morocco and 200ha in Peru. 

Hortifrut, which has maintained a partnership with Atlantic Blue since 2000, said the addition of the company’s Moroccan acreage would allow it to supply blueberries in Europe year-round. Together with its raspberry production of raspberries in Morocco and Portugal, Hortifrut is on its way to being able to supply the full berry category all year-round to its European customers.

Hortifrut CEO Juan Ignacio Allende said:

“We are very excited, because this is a significant step towards boosting our growth in Europe, the second largest market in the world for fresh berries. Without a doubt, this is one of the most relevant and strategic acquisitions in Hortifrut’s history and will allow us to strengthen our leadership position within the global berry industry.”

Atlantic Blue is a family business founded in Almonte in 1993 by Ulf Hayler and Jose Antonio Ruix. It was a pioneer in Europe in growing high-quality blueberries in hot climates and is currently one of the main growers and marketers of blueberries in Europe.