The group plans to plant between 150 and 200ha of blueberries on newly acquired land in the Ica region
Vanguard Group International has announced it will add blueberries to its portfolio with plans to plant between 150ha and 200ha in Ica, Peru, according to a report in Peruvian daily Gestión.
Dirk Winkelmann, president and commercial director of the firm, told the publication Vanguard’s strategy will be similar to that of its grape production.
“We will plant on a large scale, since critical mass will be key to ensuring supply to our clients,” Winkelmann said.
“As with grapes, we will focus on blueberry varieties with new genetics, which are highly demanded by retailers and consumers.”
Vanguard’s presence in the region extends back to 2016 when it acquired leading Ica-based grape, citrus and pomegranate operation Challapampa. Earlier this year it purchased 478ha of land in Peru which will be planted with new varieties of table grapes, including the red seedless variety, Ruby Rush, according to Gestión.
The company told Gestión that due to Peru’s ideal climate for table grape and blueberry production, the first crop from the new grape plantations is expected to be harvested in approximately 14 months.
With this expansion, Vanguard is forecasting significant growth in its production, from 4.2m cartons in the 2023/2024 season to approximately 5.5m cartons in 2022/25, and almost 7m cartons by the 2026/27.
Vanguard said it is also considering diversifying its production further, looking into other products and geographic locations, according to Gestión. One option on the table is a potential citrus partnership in South Africa.
