The Valencian enterprise with German roots, San Lucar Fruit, is introducing blueberries to its operations in Cariñena, Spain. Plans involve acquiring 420 hectares of vineyards for blueberry, kiwi, table grape, and tropical fruit cultivation. Initial transplantation of blueberries has commenced in nurseries located northwest of Zaragoza, alongside the road to La Almunia de Doña Godina.
These greenhouses have been functional since early in the year, when employees began populating them post-infrastructure development. The project represents an investment of about €20 million in its introductory phase, which is underway for stabilization by its promoters. This initiative marks the inclusion of SanLucar, a top European fruit and vegetable entity, into the Cariñena vineyards, noted for hosting Aragon's largest appellation of origin.
The agri-food firm anticipates progressing with the bulk of fruit orchards next year. Expansion discussions are ongoing contingent upon land acquisitions from around 50 local farmers. Zaragoza's Remax real estate is overseeing these dealings, with Octavio Pequerul at the helm.
The venture aims at phased infrastructure development, possibly involving a fruit processing factory. Similar attempts are visible from the Navarrese cooperative Agrocapelu in Calatorao, aiming at revamping old Zufrisa facilities for broccoli and cauliflower projects.
Founded by Stephan Rötzer in 1993, SanLucar Fruit emerged from Munich and currently employs 4,000 people, generating over €680 million in revenue. Recently, it acquired the French firm Buonanno. With a presence in over 60 countries, SanLucar moves over 830,000 kg of produce daily.
Source: Blueberries Consulting