CHILE – Hortifrut, the global leader in berry production, has named Héctor Enrique Luján Valladolid as its new chief executive officer.
Luján, an industry veteran, will step into his new role next month, succeeding Juan Ignacio Allende. Allende will continue to contribute to the company as a board member at Naturipe, which markets Hortifrut’s berries in the United States.
Héctor Luján brings over a decade of experience from California-based Reiter Affiliated Companies, where he served as president and CEO until the beginning of this year. His extensive background in the berry industry is expected to be a significant asset to Hortifrut.
Nicolas Moller, chairman of Hortifrut, expressed his gratitude for Allende’s contributions, stating, “Juan Ignacio’s vision and passion for berries have greatly consolidated Hortifrut’s position as the number one blueberry company in the world. His leadership helped us achieve sales of more than USD 1 billion.”
Moller added, “We warmly welcome Hector and are confident his leadership and deep industry knowledge will drive Hortifrut to new heights.”
Hortifrut operates in 13 countries, including the US, Spain, Portugal, Morocco, China, and India. Its products reach over 30 countries, reflecting the company’s vast global footprint.
In 2023, Hortifrut generated revenue of USD 1.03 billion, marking a 6.6% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven by an average price increase of over 16%, although volumes fell by 10.7% due to lower production in Peru, Chile, and Morocco.
Despite these challenges, Hortifrut saw its EBITDA rise by 22.8% to $169.3 million, though its annual profit dropped by 46.5% to $13 million. The company’s resilience in the face of fluctuating volumes underscores its robust business model.
Hortifrut remains committed to innovation and sustainability. The company specializes in producing berries that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These berries are known for their vibrant colors and exceptional taste.
Hortifrut connects dedicated berry producers from both hemispheres, ensuring a year-round supply to key markets worldwide.
The company emphasizes genetic diversity, sustainability, and digital processes. In March 2021, Hortifrut announced a research and development partnership with AeroFarms to advance the next generation of blueberry and caneberry production in vertical farms. This collaboration aims to leverage cutting-edge technology to enhance berry production.
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