Bloom Fresh unveils USD 14M breeding campus in California

USA – International fruit breeder Bloom Fresh has officially opened its state-of-the-art research and development facility in Bakersfield, California, marking a significant investment in the future of fruit breeding.

The USD 14 million complex, named the ‘Discovery Center,’ was unveiled on Tuesday, August 20, drawing hundreds of growers from over 18 countries to witness the inauguration of the new facility.

The Discovery Center, a 150-acre site featuring extensive vineyards and orchards, serves as a central hub for the development of new varieties of table grapes, cherries, and raisins.

The campus includes 28,000 square feet of laboratory space and 25,000 square feet of greenhouses, designed to support the rigorous testing and cultivation of new fruit cultivars.

“Consumer preferences continue to evolve, and one of the things they are telling us is that they want more texture – or ‘crunchiness’ – in their grapes, and we will soon be releasing varieties that deliver on this,” said Josep Jove Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh.

He also highlighted the development of red-flesh grape varieties rich in antioxidants, which the company is eager to introduce to the market.

The launch event was attended by growers from across the globe, providing them with an exclusive look at some of Bloom Fresh’s most promising fruit varieties.

Among these were several branded varieties, including the popular Cotton Candy grape, which was available for tasting during the event.

Estiarte addressed the attendees, noting the ongoing process of merging Bloom Fresh with International Fruit Genetics, a fruit breeding firm that Bloom Fresh acquired last year. “It’s a merger that is still ongoing,” he explained.

“The two companies naturally had different styles of operating, and we’re working through it. But it’s been a fun challenge, and we’re getting closer to realizing our dream every day.”

In addition to developing new fruit varieties, Bloom Fresh is placing a strong emphasis on sustainability, a key concern for both consumers and growers.

Estiarte revealed that the company is working on table grape varieties that require significantly fewer agricultural chemicals, reducing the need by as much as 90%.

“Sustainability is one of our core objectives, as it is increasingly important to consumers,” Estiarte said. “But using less chemicals will also be a great help to our growers, who are struggling greatly with increased costs of production.”

The Discovery Center represents Bloom Fresh’s commitment to innovation in fruit breeding, aiming to meet the changing demands of the market while also addressing the environmental and economic challenges faced by growers.

As the facility begins operations, the company looks forward to continuing its work in creating the next generation of fruit varieties that prioritize both quality and sustainability.