Based In South Florida, Pacific Produce (PacPro) is a grower, importer, and distributor of high-quality fruits and vegetables. PacPro started importing asparagus and table grapes in 2002. Since then, the business has expanded to include avocados, blueberries, and citrus. PacPro’s major grower partner in Peru, Agrokasa, operates two farms, one based north of Lima and another located south of Lima. The northern operation grows avocados and blueberries, while the southern operation grows asparagus, table grapes and now blueberries. PacPro is now in its fourth season of shipping blueberries from Peru. The Peruvian season runs from July through January. “Each year our volumes have increased,” says Vice President, Isabel Tavera. “We are excited about Agrokasa’s expansion of blueberry acreage in Ica, Peru. The region offers greenhouse-like weather with lower humidity which is ideal for growing blueberries. Our fruit is looking healthy and high quality.”
Thanks to an efficient water treatment investment, the Ica farmland will soon increase its volume from 100 to 400 containers by 2025. Adding the volume from Barranca Farm, the total volume projected for 2025 is 800 containers. Agrokasa’s water project is unique to the industry. Using the city of Ica’s water, the wastewater will be recycled in a treatment facility. Half of the water is then returned to the city while the other half is used on Agrokasa farms. “The water project will enable us to grow by 30% over the next three years,” says Tavera. Ultimately, the company’s goal is to offer blueberries year-round. Next season, PacPro will be working with growers in Mexico as well as the Pacific Northwest, Michigan and Canada. Sold under the Catalina label, PacPro blueberries are available in 6 oz, pints, 18 oz and top seal packaging.