Consalo Family Farms of New Jersey says it has joined together with Frutanza of Peru to form ConFrut, a 50/50 farming partnership focused on growing premium blueberries in Peru.
The companies say this partnership represents a significant expansion of Consalo Family Farms’ blueberry business and establishes direct ownership of blueberry production in Peru. Consalo and Frutanza will jointly own the farming operation, with both families invested in the land, infrastructure, production and fruit.
The first project is planned for about 500 acres, developed in four stages, with additional expansion envisioned beyond that initial project.
Consalo, a fourth-generation family farming business founded in 1927, says this investment marks an important step toward becoming a truly year-round blueberry grower. The company says it is also extending its grower-led approach into a region essential to the global blueberry supply calendar.
“Customers don’t think about blueberries as a seasonal item anymore,” says Skip Consalo, CEO of Consalo Family Farms. “They want great blueberries 12 months a year. To do that at the level we expect, we need to be involved in growing the fruit, not just sourcing it. With our partners at Frutanza, we own the farms and the fruit, and we’ll stand behind what we bring to market.”
Consalo says Peru’s counterseasonal production complements its North American growing operations and partnerships and will help it build a more continuous blueberry program. Peru’s climate and growing conditions have made it an increasingly important region for the category.
The companies say the partnership will emphasize premium varieties, larger sizes, exceptional quality and consistent supply. Consalo Family Farms will handle the fruit’s marketing and sales under its label.
“We aren’t looking simply to add more blueberries,” Consalo says. “The goal is to grow the best fruit we possibly can. We want the right varieties, the right size, the right flavor and the right quality. If our family’s name is connected to it, that’s what our customers should expect.”
The partnership brings together complementary strengths, according to the companies. Frutanza contributes extensive experience growing blueberries in Peru, including local farming knowledge, production expertise and an established operating presence. Consalo brings generations of farming experience, its North American distribution network, supply chain capabilities and longstanding relationships with major retailers.
“This partnership marks an important milestone in our vision to become a leading global blueberry producer, combining our strengths to deliver premium fruit and achieve long-term growth,” says Diego Torpoco, CEO of Frutanza.
“We knew very quickly that there was a natural fit between our two companies,” says Alvaro Espinoza, general manager of Frutanza. “Consalo understands farming and what customers in North America are looking for. We understand Peru and how to grow exceptional blueberries here. By putting those strengths together as equal partners, we believe ConFrut can become something very special.”
Consalo, Torpoco and Espinoza all worked closely together along with Bruno Giribaldi, Consalo Family Farms’ executive vice president of global sourcing, whose combined experience and relationships the company says were instrumental in bringing this partnership to life.
