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by www.FoodBusinessAfrica.com

Blueberry farming in Morocco, South Africa set for growth as new investors pump in funds

the planting of 300 hectares of blueberries in three different regions.

In the coming years, the company intends to further expand its grower network via licensing of its proprietary varieties with a goal of reaching a total of 1,000 hectares across berry categories.

will be dedicated to climate-smart agriculture practices and will help the company adopt drip irrigation systems and water meters, among other measures.

MOROCCO – Agroberries Limited, a Chile based vertically integrated producer, marketer and distributor of berries, with a best-in-class portfolio of owned and proprietary berry genetic varieties, has invested €40 million (US$41m) to expand its operations to Morocco.

The first phase of the investment in the North African country includes

Meanwhile in South Africa, United Exports, a leading producer and exporter of blueberries, has received €14 million (US$13.9m) loan financing from World Bank’s IFC and the Dutch entrepreneurial development bank (FMO), to increase sustainable blueberry production, create jobs, and boost women’s participation in management roles.

The financial backing will support the fruit logistics company to adopt next-generation OZblu blueberry varieties that fall outside the frost window and expand its blueberry orchards to frost-free areas, including the Western Cape region.

In addition, a third of the funding

The support is expected to strengthen United Exports’ agribusiness value chain and create up to 1,340 direct and indirect jobs by 2030.

Kenyan B2B food distributor Twiga Foods opens new distribution center

KENYA – Twiga Foods, Kenyanbased technology food distribution platform, has officially launched its new Distribution Center, located at Tatu City in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

The world-class 200,000 sq ft facility is set to offer fulfillment by Twiga services to manufacturers, brand owners, and farmers across East Africa and expand its overall capacity and ability to deliver a selection of fresh produce, and retail products and provide partners access to over 140,000 customers across the Kenya and Uganda.

While addressing stakeholders during the launch, Twiga’s Group C.E.O, Peter Njonjo stated that the move will ensure convenient and affordable, food and retail commodities distribution across its markets.

The state-of-the-art distribution unit is fitted with the latest logistics and warehouse technology such as racking systems, banana rooms, modern dock door systems, and product scanners which will enhance food traceability among other functions.

Further spearheading its growth, the food distributor launched its operations in Uganda, officially marking its first pan-African expansion drive into Africa’s online retail market.