Naturipe Farms and Hortifrut expand their berry genetic platform with MBO

Naturipe Farms and Hortifrut expand their berry genetic platform together with MBO

The agreement will give Hortifrut access to new blueberry selections for America and will strengthen the development of varieties focused on flavor, consistency and productive performance.

31/07/2026

Naturipe Farms and Hortifrut announced the expansion of one of the genetics platforms of berries the world's most comprehensive genetics programs through a new strategic collaboration with MBO. The agreement complements the companies' own genetic improvement programs and expands access to the world's most comprehensive genetics. blueberries elite and reinforces a long-term innovation strategy that encompasses blueberriesraspberries and blackberries.

“Our strategy has always been to combine the strength of our own genetics with partnerships that expand opportunities for growers worldwide,” said Héctor Luján, CEO of Hortifrut. “This approach allows us to continue introducing elite varieties that offer exceptional flavor, resilience, and performance, while also meeting the evolving needs of retailers and consumers around the globe.”

This expansion strengthens an integrated genetic platform that combines access to advanced external selections with Hortifrut's own capabilities in genetic improvement, evaluation, and commercialization. The model will allow for the development of a broader portfolio of varieties adapted to different growing regions and designed to deliver the flavor, quality, consistency, and shelf life that growers, retailers, and consumers expect.

As part of this initiative, Hortifrut will have access to new selections of blueberries elite for the United States, Mexico, Peru, and other Latin American countries through its agreement with MBO. At the same time, it will be able to extend the reach of already outstanding varieties into new international markets.

Hortifrut's Rubus program has also begun translating its proprietary genetics into market-recognized results. At the 2026 National Cherry and Soft Fruit Show in the UK, Hortifrut's Vicentina raspberry variety, grown and presented by Kelsey Farms, won first place in the Non-UK Raspberry Variety category and was also recognized as Best Raspberry Show.

Following the historical tradition of the competition, samples of the award-winning fruit were sent to Buckingham Palace.

“Innovation is about delivering something better to every link in the supply chain,” said Jim Roberts, president of Naturipe Farms. “Retailers are looking for reliable quality and consistency. Consumers expect exceptional flavor. Growers need varieties that perform well in the field. This work, along with our industry-leading national breeding programs and global marketing efforts, is helping us bring the next generation of [various] to market faster.” berries “premium”.

“This agreement is the natural evolution of a long-standing collaboration,” said Mano Babiolakis, International Business Manager at MBO. “MBO and Hortifrut have worked together for many years through licensing agreements in Asia, and we are excited to now expand this collaboration to multiple countries in the Americas. We look forward to further strengthening Hortifrut’s portfolio with MBO’s elite genetics, which, combined with the company’s global scale, will allow us to offer better fruit to growers, retailers, and consumers.”

Through Naturipe's global marketing platform, these innovations can move more efficiently from genetic improvement programs to retailers, facilitating the introduction of new berry varieties that meet the growing expectations for taste, quality, consistency, and shelf life.

About Naturipe

Naturipe is a producer-owned company dedicated to the production and marketing of berries and high-quality avocados with excellent flavor. It is an industry leader in the development of premium berries through robust genetic research.

For over 100 years, Naturipe has produced healthy and delicious fresh, frozen, and value-added foods. Thanks to its diverse grower base, which shares resources, capabilities, labor, and knowledge, the company strengthens its operations and local farming communities. Its focus on innovation allows it to offer conventional and organic fruit year-round, both locally grown and under its Globally Local™ concept.

About Hortifrut

Founded in 1983 based on the vision of Don Víctor Moller, Hortifrut is a global leader in the production and marketing of berries. Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, and with operations in 15 countries, it specializes in varietal development, sustainable production, and year-round supply of high-quality berries to more than 500 customers in over 55 countries.

In 2025, the company obtained the global B Corp certification, which validates its commitment to high social, environmental and governance standards.

About MBO

Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) is an Australian family-owned company and one of the world's leading blueberry breeding programs. It was founded by Ridley Bell, whose pioneering work in blueberry genetics spans five decades.

Based in Lismore, New South Wales, MBO develops a vertically integrated business that includes genetic improvement, nursery production, cultivation and marketing.

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Hortifrut and Naturipe Farms