© Vanguard InternationalHaving achieved a vertically integrated grape operation built on fully compliant and sustainable practices, Vanguard is getting ready to harvest the first blueberries from its new vertically integrated blueberry farm. “Upon reaching a level of grape production from one origin that provides us with sufficient supply for the world’s largest retailers, we recognized the opportunity to shift focus and develop a new category for Vanguard’s own production,” says Ethan Williams, President of Vanguard International and Vanguard Direct. The blueberry category offers extensive opportunities for consumption growth in many parts of the world.
Vanguard sought diversification to be able to harvest 12 months per year in one of the most ideal agricultural areas globally. “Blueberries are very suitable to be grown in this region of Peru,” shared Williams. The farm is located in Pisco, which is approximately a one-hour drive north of the company’s table grape production in Villacuri, Ica. This expansion into blueberries generates year-round work opportunities for Vanguard’s growing communities.
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Which varieties were selected?
The first round of plantings consists of 550 hectares, the equivalent of 1,375 acres. The total project includes an additional 950 hectares (2,375 acres) that are being prepared for future plantings. “With blueberry genetics being innumerable and counting, we made the strategic decision to pause plantings for one year,” shared Williams. This will allow proper assessment of the varieties that were initially planted to ensure this significant investment will be progressed with the most promising varieties.
For blueberries, the same pattern was recognized as developed in grapes years ago, which is the need for the industry to transition to new genetics that offer elevated fruit qualities without sacrificing shelf-life. “The genetics we have chosen for our farm provide that consumer experience,” Williams commented. The primary variety on Vanguard’s first 550 hectares is Fall Creek’s Apex. “We continue to receive exceptional feedback and interest in this variety, proving to be a legitimate competitor to Fall Creek’s currently more popular variety, Sekoya Pop.” The balance of the initial plantings is made up of the MegaEarly, MegaCrisp, and MegaGem varieties from IQ Berries. All four of these varieties have demonstrated consistent delivery of 18mm+ berry sizes on 60-70 percent of the yield. “This enables us to fulfill major retailers’ traditional and jumbo blueberry SKUs.”
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First harvest
The first harvest out of Peru will be starting in June, generating supply availability through the end of December. As the plants mature, harvest will stretch from mid-May to early February. Vanguard’s Peruvian blueberries will be sold and distributed through the same channels as the company’s table grapes, which is via Vanguard Direct into the U.S. and Canada markets, and through Vanguard International into all other global markets.
Early blueberries for Asian markets
Air shipments will be available for late June arrivals, which is expected to bring interest primarily from the Far East. “Shipments to the U.S. will start arriving in late July, as U.S. retailers typically focus on domestic supplies until mid to late August,” explained Williams. “However, our early start will offer a viable supply source for our major U.S. retail partners should domestic supplies come up short.” As the plants mature, late-season harvests will enable customers to keep Peruvian blueberries on the shelf until supplies from Mexico are sufficient to transition. “This removes the need to bridge these two origins with Chilean supplies.”
The Americas and Europe are main destinations
Williams expects the large majority of production to be delivered to major retailers and retail service providers in the Americas and Europe, with smaller numbers strategically making their way over to the Middle East and Asia during windows of elevated demand and limited supply.
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For more information:
Ethan Williams|
Vanguard Group International
[email protected]
www.vanguardfresh.com