Ozblu blueberry varieties will be grown in the U.S. for the first time with Peru-based Migiva Group’s purchase of two Florida berry properties.
Migiva, which has a partnership with Australia-based Ozblu to market the proprietary berry varieties in the Americas, plans to invest $32 million to “build vertically-integrated farms and process plants” in the next 18 months, according to a news release. The properties are a 453-acre farm in Venus and 82-acre farm/processing facility in Sebring.
“As a world-class grower we are very excited to implement our expansion in the U.S.,” Matt Zinger, who oversees global investments at Migiva Group, said in the release. “We see this as a milestone for a new series of long-term strategic investments for our Group.”
Ozblu varieties are typically larger, crunchier and more flavorful, according to the release, and are “evergreen,” needing fewer chill-hours during the greening season.
In February, Migiva and United Exports announced an agreement with Red Sun Farms Mexico to grow Ozblu varieties in Mexico.
