BerryWorld and Tropic Cool Join Forces to Cultivate a Berry Farm in Rwanda
BerryWorld and Tropic Cool: A New Era in Berry Cultivation
In an exciting development for Rwanda, BerryWorld, a significant player in the soft fruit industry, has entered into a partnership agreement with Tropic Cool Ltd, laying the foundation for a new commercial berry farming venture named "Rwanda Berries." This ambitious project aims not only to enhance the local agricultural landscape but also to cater to international markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
A Strategic Partnership
Earlier this month, BerryWorld finalized a term sheet with Tropic Cool, outlining their cooperation in establishing a state-of-the-art berry farm that will operate on a commercial scale. BerryWorld, recently acquired by AgroBerries, is the world's second-largest vertically integrated soft fruit producer and distributor, having shipped over 150,000 tons of fruit in 2024 alone. This partnership marks a significant move for both companies into the African market, which they believe is ripe for agricultural development.
Rwanda as a Prime Location
Rwanda’s geographical positioning is favorable for the planned farming venture. The country benefits from a unique climate that complements Southern African and South American supply chains. This advantageous location boasts conducive conditions for berry cultivation, making it an ideal site for "Rwanda Berries."
As part of their cooperation, BerryWorld will potentially license and supply award-winning berry varieties, including the International Taste Institute's Diamond Jubilee raspberries and Eureka Sunrise blueberries, alongside premium blueberry varieties from Sekoya. This ensures that the fruit produced in Rwanda will adhere to the high standards BerryWorld is known for globally.
Economic Impact and Employment
Over the next five years, Rwanda Berries intends to develop 150 hectares of farmland exclusively for growing blueberries and raspberries. This initiative is expected to create more than 1,200 job opportunities for the local community, significantly uplifting Rwanda’s agricultural sector. BerryWorld has also committed to providing technical support throughout the project to guarantee its success and sustainability.
Statements from Leadership
Avi Drori, CEO of Tropic Cool, expressed his enthusiasm about this partnership, noting, "We are very excited about collaborating with BerryWorld on creating an entirely new agricultural export industry in Rwanda. We believe that we have found the ideal country to build a long-lasting and competitive industry that will provide nearer access to fresh, premium berries."
Adrian Olins, the CEO of BerryWorld's marketing division, echoed this sentiment, stating, "We are looking forward to working with Avi and his team at Rwanda Berries; we are confident they will execute a world-class agriculture project that provides a positive impact on Rwanda's society and environment and greater access to premium berries for commercial markets."
About BerryWorld and Tropic Cool
BerryWorld is a global leader in soft fruit, known for its quality products and commitment to excellence in agriculture. Tropic Cool Ltd has its roots in Israel and was recently established with the goal of building Rwanda Berries, led by a team well-versed in technologically advanced agriculture practices.
As this partnership unfolds, it promises to reshape the agricultural landscape in Rwanda, laying the groundwork for a sustainable berry farming industry that not only caters to local demands but also opens doors to lucrative international markets. With BerryWorld and Tropic Cool at the helm, the future looks bright for berry production in Rwanda.