Chilean company Hortifrut, a global leader in blueberry production and marketing, is facing a 2025 marked by structural decisions. At the end of September, the company reported a loss attributable to shareholders of US$59,19 million, reversing the US$8,77 million profit recorded in the same period of the previous year, amidst a restructuring of assets and a pursuit of greater efficiency in the berry industry.

Accounting adjustment with accounting impact 

The negative result for the year is heavily influenced by an asset impairment of US$80,6 million, reflecting the effect of two strategic moves: the closure of agricultural operations in Mexico, which did not reach the expected return levels, and the varietal replacement in Peru and China, aimed at replacing less profitable plantations with more productive genetic materials that are better valued in international markets.

As a result, equity attributable to controlling shareholders fell by 9,01% to US$506,5 million, while profitability dropped from 1,41% to -11,69% over twelve months. Despite the impact, net financial debt remained stable at around US$776,8 million, supported by refinancing operations that shifted a significant portion of the obligations to longer-term liabilities and prevented an immediate increase in financial pressure.

The company interprets these adjustments as a cost concentrated in 2025, associated with the decision to accelerate the global restructuring of the production portfolio to maintain its leadership in blueberries y berries in the coming years, in a scenario of greater competition and increasing demands for quality at the destination.

Dynamic operation in the midst of transition 

Beyond the accounting blow, the operation showed signs of resilienceQuarterly EBITDA reached US$135,1 million, representing an increase of 5,56% compared to the same period in 2024, driven by a more normal season following the El Niño phenomenon and by a better contribution from the main productive origins.

In terms of volume, sales grew 32,27%, partially offsetting the price decrease associated with the normalization of global supply. Consolidated revenues totaled US$842,1 million, a 10,88% increase year-over-year, reflecting the company's growth. It continues to move significant volumes. in fresh fruit for export. Within the business mix, the fresh fruit segment—where the blueberry has a central role—it advanced 14,99%, while the value-added business fell 14,72%, in line with more selective demand and portfolio adjustments.

In this context, Hortifrut It reinforces its strategy of competing with high-quality fruit: larger sizes, firmness, condition at destination, and consistent flavor profiles—key attributes for differentiating itself in mature markets like North America and Europe, and for continuing to develop consumption of berries in new destinations.

Global reorganization and varietal bet

2025 is shaping up to be a year of global reorganization For the company, the closure of fields in Mexico is a response to a critical review of profitability by region and the objective of concentrating resources on more competitive agricultural platforms. Simultaneously, the varietal replacement in Peru and China aims to update the production base with genetics that better meet current retailer demands: productivity, flavor, firmness, post-harvest life, and consumer experience.

With these decisions, Hortifrut September closes with a mix of signals: an operation growing in volume and revenue, but financial results affected by structural adjustments focused on the short term. The underlying bet is that this restructuring will allow for the consolidation, in the medium term, of a more efficient portfolio aligned with global industry trends. berries, reinforcing the company's position as a leading player in blueberries worldwide.