Peru’s leading fresh produce companies. The company, founded in 1997, is the world’s largest asparagus exporter and one of the largest avocado producers. Other key products include blueberries, grapes, mangoes, mandarins, pomegranates and peppers. The company is very active in the European markets and recently opened an office in Spain. The European headquarters of Camposol Fresh BV are located in Maasdijk/Netherlands. Fresh Plaza spoke to Sergio Torres.Sergio: "Blueberries are Camposol’s growth market. The company has been gradually expanding its acreage in Peru, and by 2016 we expect to have reached around 2,000 hectares, which will make us the largest blueberry producer, a fruit which appears to be quite trendy, in America as well as in Europe. It is definitely a sector worth exploring.”
Adequately responding to changes
According to Sergio, the UK is a very interesting option. "With Western European countries such as Spain, France and Germany we have already established a strong relationship, mainly with avocados. But the growth of both the berry and the UK market are developments in which we would like to be a part. Of course that requires commitment, and a sound knowledge of business."
Camposol naturally also keeps an eye on other markets (avocados are doing well in the U.S.), but in Western Europe there is still much to do regarding blueberries. "Sales are certainly on the rise in the United Kingdom. In Europe, we want to be closely involved in this rapidly expanding market," explains Sergio.
The opening of further offices in Europe is in the planning, but for now the Peruvian company is focused on its office in the Netherlands. As far as Camposol is concerned, the Dutch location offers a nice central place to keep everything under control. From this site, the company can quickly and effectively respond to any changes or market developments.
Competition
The aim is to become a big supplier to retailers. Ideally, of course, Camposol would like to compete with Argentina and Uruguay. But is it feasible? Sergio sees possibilities. "Argentina and Uruguay often have quality problems," he says. "It rains once, and you immediately see it reflected in the fruit quality. In Peru we do not have such problems, so we can guarantee a consistent supply of quality product."
Although the climatic conditions in Peru permit a year-round cultivation of blueberries, most growers concentrate their harvest mainly on the months of August through December. Sergio also agrees that entering the market with a new product is always a challenge. "Many retailers have agreements with suppliers that go a long way back. That is difficult to change. It is important to introduce a single product; then, if you gain their trust, others will follow. For now we are looking for opportunities."
Yet, Camposol believes it could become a formidable competitor. "In recent years, we have received a lot of good feedback on test items," said Sergio, "and thus we have managed to gain the trust of many in European countries. There also appears to be a lot of interest in these areas. There will always be competition from other exporting countries, but I am convinced that we can become a valuable partner for more and more Western European retailers."
