- Business
- Hortifrut S.A. (HF.SN) operates as a leading global producer, processor, and marketer of berries, including blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, cherries, physalis, and mixed berries, along with fresh, frozen, dehydrated fruits, derivatives, and value-added ready-to-eat products; it commercializes through proprietary brands such as Naturipe in North America and Asia, Southern Sun and Berry Collection in Europe, Berry Good in Brazil, and Joyvio in China, serving retail, foodservice, and wholesale customers across more than 55 countries via vertically integrated platforms that encompass genetics development, production, packing, and distribution. Founded in 1983 and headquartered in Santiago, Chile, the company maintains operations and strategic alliances in the Americas (Chile, Peru, Mexico, United States, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil), EMEA (Spain, Morocco, Portugal, Ireland, United Kingdom, Senegal, Netherlands), and APAC (China, India, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong), partnering with over 400 growers and employing more than 23,000 collaborators worldwide. Recent developments include a successful 2023 takeover bid by affiliates of PSP Investments and SJF Investment SpA acquiring 49.56% ownership to fuel growth and globalization; the 2022 sale of a 75% stake in HFE Berries Peru to PSP Investments while retaining management control; expansion via a joint venture with IG Berries in India for fresh berry production and sales; a 2023 strategic alliance for blueberry cultivation in Africa targeting European and UK markets; acquisition of a 51% stake by its Chinese joint venture Honghe Jiayu Agriculture Ltd. in Binchuan County Yunberry Agriculture Development Co. to accelerate mainland China growth; ongoing proprietary varietal replacements in Chile, Peru, Mexico, and China emphasizing higher-quality blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries; and delisting from the Santiago Stock Exchange in May 2024 alongside a new CEO announcement in June 2024.