Jul 30, 2026
Hortifrut Signs Major Collaboration Agreement with MBO to Expand Access to Elite Genetics and Develop New Capabilities to Deliver Berries with Greater Consistency and Flavor, from Field to Table
SALINAS, CA and SANTIAGO, Chile – July 30, 2026 – Naturipe Farms and Hortifrut today announced the expansion of one of the world’s most comprehensive berry genetics platforms through a new strategic collaboration with MBO. The agreement complements the companies’ proprietary breeding program, expands access to elite blueberry genetics, and strengthens a long-term innovation strategy spanning blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
“Our strategy has always been to combine the strength of our proprietary genetics with partnerships that expand opportunities for growers around the world,” said Héctor Luján, CEO of Hortifrut.
“This approach enables us to continue introducing elite varieties that deliver exceptional flavor, resilience, and performance while meeting the evolving needs of retailers and consumers worldwide.”
This expansion strengthens an integrated genetics platform that combines access to advanced external selections with Hortifrut’s in-house breeding, evaluation, and commercialization capabilities. This model enables the development of a broader portfolio of varieties designed to adapt to different growing regions while delivering the flavor, quality, consistency, and shelf life expected by growers, retailers, and consumers.
As part of this expanded initiative, Hortifrut will gain access to new elite blueberry selections for the United States, Mexico, Peru, and other Latin American countries through its agreement with MBO, while also extending the reach of already successful varieties into new international markets.
Hortifrut’s Rubus breeding program is also translating its proprietary genetics into market-recognized results. At the 2026 National Cherry and Soft Fruit Show in the United Kingdom, Hortifrut’s Vicentina raspberry variety, grown and exhibited by Kelsey Farms, won first place in the Non-UK Bred Raspberry Variety category and was also recognized as Best Raspberry Exhibit. Following the show’s longstanding tradition, samples of the award-winning fruit were sent to Buckingham Palace on July 24.
“Innovation is about delivering something better to every link in the supply chain,” said Jim Roberts, President of Naturipe Farms.
“Retailers are looking for dependable quality and consistency. Consumers expect exceptional flavor. Growers need varieties that perform well in the field. This work, together with our industry-leading domestic breeding programs and global commercialization efforts, is helping bring the next generation of premium berries to market faster.”
“This agreement is the natural evolution of a long-standing collaboration,” said Mano Babiolakis, International Business Manager at MBO.
“MBO and Hortifrut have worked together for many years through licensing agreements in Asia, and we are excited to now expand this collaboration across multiple countries in the Americas. We look forward to further strengthening Hortifrut’s portfolio with MBO’s elite genetics, which, combined with the company’s global scale, will deliver better fruit for growers, retailers, and consumers.”
Through Naturipe’s global commercialization platform, these innovations move more efficiently from breeding programs to retailers, facilitating the introduction of new berry varieties that meet growing expectations for flavor, quality, consistency, and shelf life.
About Naturipe
Naturipe is a grower-owned company dedicated to producing and marketing premium-quality, great-tasting berries and avocados. We are an industry leader in the development of premium berries through robust genetic research. For more than 100 years, Naturipe has been producing healthy and delicious foods, including fresh, frozen, and value-added products. By sharing resources, capabilities, labor, and expertise across our diverse grower base, we become better growers while strengthening local farming communities. Our focus on innovation ensures year-round availability of both conventional and organic fruit, sourced locally and through our Globally Local™ concept.
About Hortifrut
Founded in 1983 from the vision of Víctor Moller, Hortifrut is a global leader in the production and commercialization of berries. Headquartered in Santiago, Chile, and operating in 15 countries, Hortifrut specializes in varietal development, sustainable production, and the year-round supply of high-quality berries to more than 500 customers in over 55 countries. In 2025, the company achieved global B Corp certification, validating its commitment to high social, environmental, and governance standards.
About MBO
Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) is an Australian family-owned company and one of the world’s leading blueberry breeding programs. Founded by Ridley Bell, whose pioneering work in blueberry genetics spans five decades, MBO is headquartered in Lismore, New South Wales, and operates a vertically integrated business encompassing breeding, nursery production, farming, and commercialization.
MBO is particularly renowned for its Eureka family of premium northern highbush and southern highbush blueberry varieties, recognized worldwide for their exceptional flavor, size, crisp texture, and shelf life. Its most recent releases have received the Superior Taste Awards from the International Taste Institute.Today, MBO genetics are actively grown in 30 countries through a global network of licensed partners, supported by an industry-leading commitment to the protection and enforcement of plant breeders’ rights. In 2023, its founder, Ridley Bell, received the Duke Galletta Award from the North American Blueberry Council in recognition of his pioneering contributions to blueberry horticultural research.
