Sanlucar Fruit, a German-owned producer and distributor of fruit and vegetables based in Puzol (Valencia), has set its sights on Cariñena, Zaragoza, to carry out an ambitious agri-food project. The company plans to invest 20 million euros in a first phase to develop the cultivation of tropical fruits, such as blueberries, kiwis, table grapes and fruit trees, in an area traditionally dedicated to vineyards.

To this end, according to various sources close to the operation, 600 hectares of irrigated land will be acquired and the Hotel del Vino will also be purchased to accommodate engineers and qualified personnel. With a presence in 35 countries, Sanlucar seeks to diversify the agricultural production of the region, offering an economic alternative to the challenges facing the wine sector.

This project, which adds to the wide range of Sanlucar products in markets such as Germany, Austria and the Netherlands, has been well received in Cariñena, especially given the need to resize local agricultural production due to the drop in wine consumption and the challenges of climate change.

The Sanlucar Fruit initiative is seen as an opportunity to revitalize the local economy and provide new crop options for farmers in the region.