Spain

Fresh Opportunity: SanLucar, Sun World Reach Deal for Table Grapes in Ecuador

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:55:51 GMT

Last week the Spain-based SanLucar, an international produce supplier, signed an exclusive production and export agreement with Sun World, a global fruit variety development and licensing company. The collaboration will focus specifically on developing new types of table grapes and varieties for production in Ecuador.

“At SanLucar, we strongly believe that innovative varieties and sustainability should go hand in hand,” SanLucar CEO Armin Rehberg said in a news release. “This agreement with Sun World not only strengthens our position as industry leaders but also enables us to continue offering our consumers exceptional fruits, known for their great taste and grown in harmony with people and nature.”

SanLucar has worked intensively for many years to establish a sustainable and efficient agricultural model in Ecuador. The company says this agreement with Sun World is another milestone in that effort.

The collaboration will allow the company to combine its experience in production, development and marketing with access to high-quality genetic material, SanLucar says. Additionally, it will not only allow SanLucar to cultivate these varieties on its own farms but also grant sublicenses to other interested and capable producers within the framework of partnerships. This opens a new chapter for the fruit industry, especially in Ecuador, creating opportunities for joint growth and sustainable development, according to the company.

IFG acquisition close, Amfresh Group says

Thu, 13 Jul 2023 17:12:59 GMT

Bakersfield, Calif.-based International Fruit Genetics LLC will soon be acquired by an ag innovation group based in Spain, according to a news release.

There has been an agreement between IFG and Special New Fruit Licensing Ltd., the consortium led by the Spanish-based Amfresh Group, as well as the Swedish fund EQT and the American fund Paine Schwartz Partners, for the purchase of the entire IFG business by SNFL.

Jack Pandol, IFG co-founder, grape grower and CEO of Shafter, Calif.-based Grapery, earlier initiated legal action to block the transaction, the release said. However, on July 11 the arbitrator assigned to decide on the matter rejected all the claims made by Pandol, allowing the transaction to proceed, the release said.

SNFL expects to close the transaction in the coming weeks, according to the release.

“Our entire team and partners are proud to be able to move forward with the green light of the arbitration,” Amfresh CEO Alvaro Muñoz said in the release. “This is the beginning of a breakthrough for the fresh food sector and our greatest ambition is to foster the most innovative, natural, sustainable and healthy products to delight consumers globally. Our aim is to increase consumption and market size of fresh, healthy and affordable products globally.”

Additionally, Bluestone Food and Tech, Muñoz’s family holding, is closing an agreement to become the sole 100% equity partner of Amfresh Group and acquire 100% of AMC Group, the release said.

IFG, which boasts 48 patented table grape varieties and 10 planted sweet cherry varieties, said in a release that IFG and SNFL entered into an asset purchase agreement in March 2022 for the purchase of the entire IFG business. The release said minority owner Pandol was outbid by SNFL in an auction process conducted by Credit Suisse. Despite Pandol’s claims that the asset purchase agreement was unlawful, IFG said in the release that the claims have “always been without basis and an independent arbitrator has now confirmed it.”

“With the anticipated completion of the ongoing regulatory review process, the transaction is expected to close within the next few weeks,” IFG said in the release. “With the regulatory review nearing completion, IFG, Amfresh and SNFL are excited about the vibrant opportunities this acquisition will unlock for the industry as a whole.”

Last summer, Bakersfield.com reported that Pandol and IFG were then in a legal battle over the direction of the company. Pandol could not immediately be reached for comment July 12.

Amfresh Group Chief Operating Officer Pablo Sánchez-Lozano said in the release that Amfresh is a leader in varietal genetic development for fresh food.

“[Amfresh] operates seamlessly by maintaining long-term agreements with its global retail partners and using an open-book policy,” he said in the release.

Generation Farms adds garlic to offerings

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:53 GMT

Generation Farms , Vidalia, Ga., is adding white and purple garlic to its line of fruits and vegetables.

The garlic is available in net bags, either three or five bulbs per bag with wineglass labels, and in 30-pound bulk cartons. Custom packaging for retailers is also available, according to a news release.

“The current supply is beautiful, with firm heads, and ready for immediate sale and consumption,” Brian Stanley, director of sales, said in a news release.
“We’re sourcing from exclusive grower relationships in Spain, Argentina, Peru and Mexico to ensure a steady, year-round supply of white and purple premium garlic,” he said.

Containers will be arriving at East Coast ports.

The less common purple garlic, which has a stronger scent and taste, is popular with gourmet chefs and food aficionados, according to the release.
Generation Farms grows and markets Vidalia onions , watermelons, squash and other fruits and vegetables.

Related stories:

Generation Farms adds Michigan, Georgia offices, hires sales veterans

Vidalia growers expect ample, promotable supplies

CPMA honors member of Parliament as 2020 Produce Champion

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:35:13 GMT

The Canadian Produce Marketing Association has chosen Alistair MacGregor, a member of Canada’s House of Commons, as its 2020 Produce Champion.

MacGregor, a member of the New Democratic Party who represents Cowichan-Malahat-Langford (British Columbia), has been effective in bringing industry issues to the forefront on Parliament Hill, according to a CPMA news release.

“Since his election in 2015, Alistair MacGregor has consistently shown incredible support for the Canadian fresh fruit and vegetable industry,” Ron Lemaire, CPMA president, said in the release. “We are truly grateful for his engagement, and particularly for his advocacy on a range of issues, including the need for a financial protection mechanism for produce sellers, which continues to be a key priority for our members.”

Lemaire interviews MacGregor on Produce Talks , the association’s monthly podcast, and MacGregor will be featured in a video to be shown at the CPMA’s annual convention and trade show , March 2-4 in Vancouver.

“I am honored to be named 2020 Produce Champion and proud to advocate for a sector that contributes so much to Canada’s economy and food security, and to the health and well-being of Canadians from coast to coast to coast.”

Related stories:

CPMA offers waste reduction tool

Vineland Grower Co-op’s Mike Ecker receives CPMA award

CPMA to participate in Canada’s Surplus Food Rescue Program

Dulcinea’s Cotton Candy grapes begin 6-month availability

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:00 GMT

Pacific Trellis Fruit is marketing its third season of Cotton Candy grapes from the Murcia, Spain, growing region.

The company is packing the Cotton Candy variety, along with other specialty varieties, under the Dulcinea brand for the first time this year, according to a news release.

“We are excited to start our third season working with Moyca on Cotton Candy grapes from Spain,” Josh Leichter, general manager of Pacific Trellis Fruit, Los Angeles, said in the release. “We are now able to supply Cotton Candy grapes to our customers consistently across a six-month window through a combination of supply from Spain, Brazil and Peru.”

Dulcinea’s Cotton Candy grapes will be sold in 1-pound clamshells and available to consumers from now through the end of March, with arrivals on the East Coast.

“The Dulcinea brand is synonymous with delivering a consistent, premium eating experience that delights consumers every time which makes the Dulcinea brand a perfect fit for these premium eating specialty varieties,” Leichter said in the release.

Related stories:

New grape varieties enhance retail sales

New grape varieties continue to alter grape landscape

U.S. imports of European citrus face 25% tariff

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:13:46 GMT

U.S. importers of European citrus will soon have to pay an additional 25% tariff after the World Trade Organization sided with the U.S. in its dispute with the European Union over illegal subsidies to Airbus.

The World Trade Organization is expected to approve the tariffs on Oct. 14, as part of of U.S. countermeasures in the $7.5 billion arbitration award. The U.S. is applying a 25% tariff on agricultural products from the European Union.

According to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, the WTO award of $7.5 billion annually is by far the largest award in WTO history, almost twice the largest previous award. The amount was based on WTO findings that the European Union aid for Airbus caused significant lost sales of Boeing large civil aircraft.

Fresh produce items hit by the 25% tariff include oranges, mandarins and lemons. In 2018, the U.S. imported $14 million in Spanish clementines. In 2017, the U.S. imported nearly $7 million of Spanish lemons.

The complete list of new tariffs is online.

USDA seeks comment on draft pest risk assessment for imports of tomato from Spain’s Canary Islands

Tue, 07 Sep 2021 14:22:04 GMT

The government of Spain has asked USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) to authorize the importation of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L) for consumption into the United States.

APHIS has drafted a pest risk assessment that describes potential pests associated with the commodity.

APHIS shares draft pest risk assessments to determine whether stakeholders have information that might lead us to revise the draft assessment before we identify pest mitigations and proceed with commodity import approval process.

The draft pest risk assessment for tomato for consumption from Spain (Canary Islands) will be available for review and comment until October 19, 2021. To view the assessment or submit comments, go to https://www.aphis.usda.gov/plant-health/risk-assessment-consultation.

Hortifrut acquires European berry marketer Atlantic Blue

Tue, 19 Oct 2021 04:58:22 GMT

Chilean-based Hortifrut S.A. acquired European blueberry marketer Atlantic Blue on Sept. 30, the company announced Oct. 18.

Hortifrut said in a statement that Atlantic Blue, S.L., has operations in Spain, Morocco and Peru.

With this transaction, Hortifrut said it will add nearly 1,000 hectares in Spain, more than 600 acres in Morocco and will consolidate (it already owns 50%) about 1,000 acres in Olmos, Peru.

In addition, other facilities and a genetic breeding program for berries and cherries is part of the acquisition.

Once cleared by authorities, the closing is planned for Nov. 30, according to the statement.

The price of the sale will be $280 million, and is subject to adjustments, according to the statement.

"For the good of nature - Eat Veganuary" - SanLucar makes January vegan delicious

Tue, 28 Dec 2021 23:32:04 GMT

“For the good of nature - eat Veganuary!” - this is the motto under which SanLucar, the premium brand for fruit and vegetables, is launching in Germany and Austria a sunny promotional campaign in January 2022. Because SanLucar is taking part in Veganuary, the vegan January, and ensuring a colorful variety of fruit and vegetables.

Especially after the turn of the year, many consumers pay more attention to their diet. The vegan lifestyle is becoming increasingly attractive. “We prove that vegan nutrition is super delicious with our fruit and vegetables. Bananas, pineapples, oranges, berries and other varieties are an important source of vitamins, minerals, fiber and phytochemicals”, says Nuria Pizán, Brand & Creative Director at SanLucar. “We bring colour to the plate at Veganuary. Because variety is just as important to us as quality.”

The extraordinary fruit and vegetable quality of SanLucar has been now confirmed by a survey among customers. They voted SanLucar number one among fruit and vegetables in terms of taste. “The result makes us proud and shows that we are on the right track,” says Nuria Pizán: “About 90% associate us with taste, 83% with quality and 80% with sunshine.

Only fruits that are absolutely ripe and delicious are harvested at SanLucar. Everything thrives under environmentally and socially acceptable conditions. SanLucar protects the soil, uses water sparingly and relies on natural plant protection. The best conditions for a sweet Veganuary. SanLucar again provides its retailers with comprehensive sales materials such as top signs, promotional displays, and recipe folders. The campaign is accompanied by social media activities on Facebook and Instagram.

USDA allows imports of Spanish bell peppers under revised protocol

Wed, 24 Jan 2024 15:36:40 GMT

The USDA is now allowing imports of Spanish bell peppers under certain conditions.

Effective immediately, USDA said it is amending a Dec. 29, 2022, federal order that prohibited importing fresh bell peppers (Capsicum annuum) from Spain into the U.S. to prevent Mediterranean fruit fly (Ceratitis capitata or Medfly) introduction, according to a news release.

The department said it amended the order to allow imports of fresh bell peppers from Spain to resume under the import requirements currently listed in the Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database and the corrective actions listed in the below amended federal order.

The original action was taken after Customs and Border Protection inspectors at John F. Kennedy Airport in New York, intercepted five live Medfly larvae and one pupa in commercial consignments of fresh bell peppers from Spain in December 2022 and was necessary to prevent the entry of Medfly into the U.S., according to the release.

The National Plant Protection Organization of Spain traced the interceptions to 11 greenhouses in the Almeria province, the release said, and the NPPO found slight structural damage and minor tears in the plastic covers of seven of the greenhouses. The greenhouses had passed official inspections in August 2022, the USDA said.

The NPPO reported rainstorms and strong winds had occurred in the Almeria region in the interim and concluded these weather events caused the structural damage and subsequent breaches of the greenhouses by Medfly. The NPPO immediately suspended all 11 noncompliant greenhouses from the pepper export program. Internal investigation of the registered packing houses associated with the 11 non-ompliant greenhouses did not detect any noncompliance issues, the release said.

To prevent the recurrence of future infestations, the NPPO developed corrective measures aimed at strengthening the physical integrity of the greenhouses to minimize the risk of the greenhouses becoming compromised by severe weather events, according to the release.

In October 2023, an APHIS team conducted a site visit of the bell pepper-growing facilities in Almeria, Spain, to verify the Medfly mitigation measures in place met current U.S. import requirements, the release said. The USDA said the team inspected Medfly mitigation measures that included the greenhouses, Medfly traps set inside and outside of the greenhouses, the frequency of trap inspections, and Medfly trapping records. The Medfly mitigation measures were found to be compliant with current U.S. import requirements, the release said.

Though the site visit occurred outside the export season for Spain bell pepper, the team also inspected and noted packinghouses have the capacity to successfully implement existing import requirements such as safeguarding fruit and packing fruit within 24 hours of harvest, according to the release.

USDA said it has determined the phytosanitary import requirements for fresh bell pepper from Spain that have been outlined in this federal order will adequately mitigate the risk of Medfly introduction via this commodity pathway.

Therefore, APHIS is amending the federal order that prohibited imports of bell peppers from Spain to the U.S., effective immediately, and the importation of fresh bell peppers from Spain may resume under the import requirements currently listed in the Agricultural Commodity Import Requirements database and the additional requirements listed in DA-2024-01.

For additional information regarding this federal order, contact Regulatory Policy Specialist Mafalda Santos at 585-300-3558 or Mafalda.Santos@usda.gov.

European IFG Cherry Field Day showcases the success of low-chill cherry program

Thu, 25 May 2023 17:09:00 GMT

Bakersfield, Calif.-based International Fruit Genetics LLC (IFG) showcased its low-chill cherry program at its first-ever European IFG Field Days in Zaragoza, Spain.

Over 50 cherry growers and retailers across four continents attended the May 16 event, which featured high-quality samples from eight of its Cheery Cherries varietals for tastings and viewings, according to a news release.

Attendees were treated to look, taste and touch several Cheery Cherries varietals, including Cheery Treat, Cheery Moon, Cheery Cupid, Cheery Crunch, Cheery Chap and Cheery Burst. IFG’s International Technical Manager of Cherries Antonia Sanchez-Labbe shared insights on the varietals with attendees, along with the variety management guidelines, the release said.

IFG’s low-chill cherry efforts allow growers to harvest cherries with fewer “chill hours” during the winter, resulting in the fruit ripening more quickly, according to the release.

The Cheery Cherries program also produces cherries that are more uniform in quality, offering hardy varietals that are less susceptible to damage from either hot temperatures or excessive rains while staying fresh during potentially long shipping and storage durations, the release said.

“Our cherry program in Spain is still very young, but is gaining incredible traction,” Alwyn van Jaarsveld, IFG’s international commercial manager for cherries, said in the release. “Our low-chill program ensures that our cherries are large, crunchy and tasty for retailers and consumers — and fill that early season gap allowing consumers to enjoy a much longer cherry season. We have already had some retailers who attended the event begin mobilizing to obtain fruit for the marketplace.”

IFG’s cherry program in Spain is about 10 years old, the release said, which is relatively young compared to its table grape program. IFG recognizes the region is a primary producer and exporter of European cherries and is determined to continue to elevate the cherry varietals available to consumers, according to the release.

“It’s important to remember that while this event was geared towards our licensees, at the end of the day, all attendees are also consumers,” Andy Higgins, CEO of IFG, said in the release. “It was rewarding to see them learning more about the program and enjoying the fruit itself. Their reaction to the flavor, texture and the firmness of the cherry varieties was a huge compliment. This event reinforced IFG’s focus on flavor and the consumer experience.”

SanLucar launches new Disney promotion

Thu, 17 Oct 2024 16:56:33 GMT

A new promotion from Valencia, Spain-based SanLucar and the Walt Disney Company will feature the catchphrase “Dive into fun with sweet fruits” with themes from the movie Vaiana 2.

The new promotion from SanLucar and The Walt Disney Company will launch in stores in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium, Romania, Poland, and Sweden on Nov. 11, according to a news release.

Citrus fruits, mangoes, avocados, tomatoes, and berries are in the spotlight and attract young and old with attractive promotional packs, the release said.

SanLucar, founded in 1993 by Stephan Rötzer, has over 4,000 employees in Germany, Austria, Benelux, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Latin America, Dubai, South Africa, Morocco, and Tunisia, distributed among its offices and/or own farms.

“We have been working with Disney for years to inspire children and young people to eat healthily and lead an active lifestyle,” Nuria Pizan, brand and creative director at SanLucar, said in the release. “With Disney Stories on social media, at the POS, in adverts and on packaging, we create emotional engagement and motivate them to make healthier choices.”

SanLucar invites the retailers to create a unique shopping experience at their POS with the Vaiana 2 campaign, the release said. SanLucar provides the relevant materials and supports the retailers with its sales consultant’s team in designing spectacular secondary and block placements.

“We know that secondary placements with Disney generate an average of 90% more sales and SanLucar block placements up to 40% more sales,” said Dominik Wehner, commercial director of SanLucar Germany. “Our fruit experts are happy to help create emotional secondary and block placements with added value.’

SanLucar is also using advertising material that contains references to an online raffle, which is easily accessible via a QR code.

The main prize is a trip for four people to Valencia. The winners not only can get to know the city, the sea, and its people, but also to visit the fields of SanLucar’s master grower Llusar and learn about their cultivation methods, the release said. The raffle for the trip to Valencia is only available in stores of Germany, Austria, and Sweden. Added visibility for the campaign will be increased through targeted social media activities on platforms like X, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The SanLucar Vaiana 2 promotion is available in Austria, Belgium, Germany, Poland, Romania, Sweden and the Netherlands.