Consalo Family Farms Takes Direct Stake in Peruvian Blueberry Production

Consalo Family Farms is expanding its blueberry business into Peru through a new 50/50 farming partnership designed to give the New Jersey-based company direct ownership of counter-seasonal production and strengthen its year-round supply.

Consalo and Peruvian grower Frutanza have formed ConFrut, with both families investing in the land, infrastructure, production and fruit. Their first project is expected to cover approximately 500 acres and will be developed in four stages, with additional expansion possible beyond the initial site.

“This is a major step for our family and our company,” said Skip Consalo, CEO of Consalo Family Farms. “We’ve been growing and shipping produce for generations, and blueberries have become an incredibly important part of our business. This partnership gives us the opportunity to take what we have built in North America and put our own roots in the ground in Peru.”

The partnership combines Frutanza’s experience producing blueberries in Peru with Consalo’s North American distribution network, supply-chain capabilities and retailer relationships.

Peru has become an important part of the international blueberry supply calendar because its production complements North American growing seasons. For Consalo, owning part of the farming operation rather than relying solely on outside sourcing gives the company greater involvement in variety selection, production and quality.

The partners plan to focus on premium blueberry varieties, larger berry sizes, flavor and consistent quality. Consalo will handle marketing and sales of the fruit under its own label.

“Customers don’t think about blueberries as a seasonal item anymore,” Consalo said. “They want great blueberries 12 months a year. To do that at the level we expect, we need to be involved in growing the fruit, not just sourcing it.”

Frutanza brings established operations and local growing expertise to the partnership.

“This partnership marks an important milestone in our vision to become a leading global blueberry producer, combining our strengths to deliver premium fruit and achieve long-term growth,” said Diego Torpoco, CEO of Frutanza.

Consalo Family Farms traces its roots to 1927 and will celebrate its 100th anniversary next year.

Although international expansion marks a new chapter for the family business, the company says it is applying the same grower-based philosophy that has guided its domestic operations.

The Peru investment also comes as Consalo continues expanding its broader growing, sourcing, packing, shipping and distribution capabilities across blueberries, vegetables and citrus.

For retailers, the partnership could mean a more direct connection between Consalo’s imported blueberry supply and the farming operation behind it.

“This isn’t about Consalo going to Peru and simply buying fruit,” Consalo said. “We’re going there to farm. We’re investing alongside Frutanza, sharing ownership and building something together for the long term.”