Asia Fruit Logistica, hosted in Hong Kong from September 4 to 6, had to adjust its trade show hours due to Super Typhoon Yagi, so that exhibitors and visitors could hunker down in hotels. On the last day of the show, the floor opened at 1:30 pm and hours were extended to 7 pm local time.

Despite those weather interruptions, awards were bestowed to international exhibitors. Look in particular at the Impact Award winner, Hortifrut IG Berries, as a case history of how it’s building the blueberry category from the ground up in India. 

IG Berries was set up in 2017 as a joint venture between Indian fruit importer IG International, Australian breeder-marketer Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO), and agribusiness investor Mano D Babiolakis. 

The partners developed a vertically integrated blueberry growing and marketing operation from scratch. This included building their own tissue culture laboratory to propagate plants and a complete nursery facility, finding suitable locations to plant, and managing the supply chain all the way to the end consumer. 

The partners had to overcome a host of challenges, from harsh climatic conditions to contending with COVID-based restrictions during setup. They succeeded in establishing high-tech production of blueberries as a new crop in India, growing IP varieties renowned for their taste and texture.  

In 2022, the collaboration between Hortifrut and IG Berries led to the establishment of Hortifrut IG Berries, significantly enhancing the venture’s operations and positioning it as a global leader in the berry market. The enterprise now boasts three production sites across 200 hectares.

Hortifrut IG Berries has been instrumental in cultivating demand for blueberries in India by marketing exclusive, high-quality varieties that offer an exceptional eating experience for consumers. It has also initiated an export venture for growing Indian-grown blueberries, targeting markets in the Middle East and beyond.

“Receiving the Asia Fruit ‘Impact’ Award signifies more than mere acknowledgment; it reflects our commitment to revolutionising the fruit industry through sustainable practices and innovative approaches,” remarked Hector Lujan, CEO of Hortifrut. “This honour fuels our passion and responsibility to lead by example, inspiring others to prioritise environmental stewardship and community wellbeing. It emphasises the importance of collaboration and shared growth, reminding us that together, we can cultivate not just quality produce, but also a healthier planet for generations to come.”

Source:  Asia Fruit Logistica September 5, 2024 news release