What is Naturipe Farms?

Naturipe Farms operates as a grower-owned partnership producing and marketing fresh berries throughout North and South America. The company functions as a marketing organization formed by four distinct berry-growing entities: Hortifrut S.A., Michigan Blueberry Growers (MBG Marketing), Naturipe Berry Growers, and Munger Farms. This partnership structure allows the combined organization to provide year-round supply of conventional and organic strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, and avocados to retail and foodservice customers across the United States, Europe, and Asia.

According to company materials, Naturipe Farms operates with production sourced from growing regions across California, Oregon, Washington, Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, New Jersey, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, British Columbia (Canada), Mexico, Peru, Chile, and Argentina. The partnership model enables the organization to coordinate seasonal production across hemispheres, facilitating continuous market supply throughout the calendar year. Industry sources from 2020 indicated the organization represented approximately 1,000 grower-owners across these geographic locations.

The company markets products under the Naturipe Farms brand name and Naturipe Farms Gold Label designation. Beyond fresh produce, company materials indicate offerings include individually quick frozen berries, concentrates, purees, powders, and value-added products such as ready-to-eat berry parfaits and snack packs. Headquarters operations are documented in both Salinas, California and Tampa, Florida, with additional sales and customer service offices reported in Grand Junction, Michigan; Estero, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Wenatchee, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Corporate Foundation

Naturipe Farms LLC operates as a limited liability company structured as a grower-owned partnership. The organization traces its origins to 1917 with the establishment of the Central California Berry Grower Association, which was renamed Naturipe Berry Growers in 1922. This original cooperative served California strawberry growers by providing collective marketing and distribution capabilities. In 2002, Naturipe Berry Growers partnered with Michigan Blueberry Growers and Hortifrut of Chile to form Naturipe Farms as an expanded marketing organization. Munger Farms joined as the fourth partner entity. In 2007, Naturipe Berry Growers converted from an agricultural cooperative to a corporation to maintain capitalization for long-term operations.

The current ownership structure consists of four partner organizations. Hortifrut S.A., based in Santiago, Chile, operates as a major berry exporter with production across multiple continents and was established in the 1980s. Michigan Blueberry Growers (operating as MBG Marketing) was formed in 1936 as a grower-owned cooperative and represents over 300 blueberry growers across Michigan, northern Indiana, Georgia, Florida, British Columbia, Mississippi, Louisiana, North Carolina, and the Pacific Northwest. Naturipe Berry Growers, Inc., headquartered in Salinas, California, grows strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries along California's Pacific coast in regions including Oxnard, Santa Maria, Watsonville, and Salinas. Munger Farms, a family operation for three generations in California's San Joaquin Valley near Delano, specializes in blueberry production and has been described in company materials as the largest source of fresh blueberries on the West Coast.

A 2016 merger consolidated two of the four partner organizations when Munger Brothers, LLC merged with Hortifrut S.A. to form Munger-Hortifrut North America, Inc., functioning as a subsidiary of Hortifrut S.A. This integration maintained the four-entity partnership structure of Naturipe Farms while consolidating ownership of the Munger operations under Hortifrut. Following this consolidation, Naturipe Farms' operational reach extended across British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Africa, and Asia.

Separate from the fresh berry operations, a distinct value-added entity called Naturipe Foods LLC was created through partnership between the four growers. In 2020, Naturipe Foods incorporated Vitafoods, a merger between Hortifrut's frozen berry operations and Alifrut (a subsidiary of Duncan Fox), to expand processed berry capabilities with an additional reported 70 million pounds of available product volume.

Production Operations

Naturipe Farms coordinates berry production across a geographically diverse network of grower-owned farms spanning both North and South America. This hemispheric distribution enables counter-seasonal production, whereby Northern Hemisphere farms produce during spring through fall months while Southern Hemisphere operations supply markets during the Northern winter season. The partnership structure allows the organization to source from optimal growing regions based on climatic conditions suited to specific berry varieties.

In North America, documented production regions include multiple California growing districts where the partnership's California-based growers produce strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries in coastal zones including Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, Santa Maria, Watsonville, Salinas, and Irvine. California production encompasses both conventional and organic certification and operates year-round with peak volumes occurring spring through fall. The Munger family operations in California's San Joaquin Valley near Delano focus on blueberry cultivation and according to company materials operate over 3,000 acres. A 2024 installation at this location includes six acres of solar panels to power blueberry operations.

Michigan represents a major blueberry production region for the partnership through the Michigan Blueberry Growers cooperative, which coordinates cultivation across member farms in Michigan and northern Indiana. Individual grower operations within this cooperative range from small family farms to operations exceeding 1,000 acres. Company materials reference specific grower operations including DeGrandchamp farms along Lake Michigan (over 200 acres) and Cornerstone Ag (over 3,500 acres spanning Michigan and the Pacific Northwest). Additional North American growing regions documented in company materials include Oregon, Washington, Wisconsin, New Jersey (Atlantic Blueberry Company with over 1,300 acres), North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, and British Columbia, Canada (Biln family farms managing over 1,000 acres).

In South America, primary production originates from Chile, Peru, Argentina, and Mexico through the Hortifrut network. Company materials describe Chile operations as including both farm production and processing facilities. A 2023 installation in Chile created what company materials describe as the largest floating solar plant in South America. Peru serves as a significant source for organic blueberry production with documented composting operations supporting soil health. Mexico provides counter-seasonal supply to complement North American production cycles.

Production methodologies documented in company materials include drip irrigation systems (employed for over 40 years across growing operations), laser-level technology for nutrient delivery optimization, integrated pest management (IPM) protocols utilizing biological, cultural, and mechanical controls including pest vacuums and netting, drone deployment for predatory mite distribution based on pest pressure and satellite imagery, cover cropping for soil nutrient enhancement, composting programs, and mulching systems. Several berry varieties including blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and avocados are cultivated as no-till crops maintaining live root systems year-round. Company materials indicate over 1,000 acres of pollinator habitats have been established across growing regions in North and South America.

Post-harvest operations include cooling facilities, packing houses, and distribution centers. Company materials reference a flagship cooling facility in Watsonville, California that converted to solar energy in 2024 with rooftop and parking canopy installations. Facilities in New Jersey and Chile also incorporated renewable energy installations. According to 2025 documentation, over one-quarter of production volume is packed and cooled using renewable energy sources. The organization employs SAP enterprise software for traceability and data recording across the supply chain.

Product Portfolio

Fresh Berries

Naturipe Farms markets fresh berries in both conventional and organic formats. Product categories include:

Blueberries: Available year-round from rotating geographic sources. Company materials describe Naturipe as a leading producer of organic blueberries globally. Fresh blueberries are offered in conventional and organic certification with proprietary breeding varieties developed through partnership research programs. Munger operations developed a proprietary wash process enabling documented 21-day shelf life for fresh blueberries in ready-to-eat snack applications.

Strawberries: Produced primarily from California coastal regions (Oxnard, Santa Maria, Watsonville/Salinas) with both conventional and organic options. California production operates year-round with peak volumes spring through fall and lighter winter supply. Strawberries represent one of the original product categories dating to the 1917 cooperative founding.

Raspberries: Cultivated in conventional and organic formats along California's Pacific coastal regions and other growing areas. Available through coordinated seasonal production across multiple regions.

Blackberries: Offered in conventional and organic certification from California coastal production areas and additional growing regions within the partnership network.

Value-Added Products

Naturipe Foods LLC, a separate entity within the partnership structure, markets processed berry products including:

• Individually Quick Frozen (IQF) berries

• Berry purees

• Berry concentrates

• Powdered berry products

• Extracts and essences

• Dried and infused berries

Ready-to-Eat Products

Consumer convenience products documented in company materials include:

• Berry parfaits featuring Chobani yogurt and Naturipe fresh berries (launched 2021)

• Berry Boost and Bliss Bentos snack packs

• Ready-to-eat blueberry snacks with extended 21-day shelf life

Products are marketed under the Naturipe Farms brand and Naturipe Farms Gold Label designation. Packaging includes state-of-origin labeling indicating the geographic source of production.

Certifications & Quality Standards

MANDATORY DISCLAIMER: The following certifications are referenced in company materials and certification databases. AgriLinkage has not independently verified current validity, scope, or compliance status. Certification standing can change based on audit outcomes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation directly from the supplier and verify validity with issuing bodies.

Organic Certification

Company materials indicate organic farms throughout North and South America are independently certified to USDA National Organic Program (NOP) regulations. The USDA organic certification process verifies compliance with standards addressing biodiversity, ecological balance, sustainability, natural plant fertilization, natural pest management, and soil integrity. Organic products display the USDA Organic seal and bright green labeling. Company materials describe Naturipe as a major producer of organic blueberries globally, though specific production volumes are not disclosed. Organic certification applies to blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries as documented across multiple growing regions.

Food Safety Certifications

According to company materials and industry publications, all Naturipe Farms grower operations undergo annual third-party food safety audits to Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) benchmarked standards. GFSI serves as a global food safety harmonization framework that recognizes approved certification schemes. The following GFSI-benchmarked certifications are referenced:

GLOBALG.A.P. (Global Good Agricultural Practices): Company materials state Naturipe is a member of GLOBALG.A.P., which provides farm-level certification covering food safety, worker welfare, environmental sustainability, water quality, agricultural inputs, and traceability. GLOBALG.A.P. certification is particularly recognized for exports to European markets and addresses both pre-harvest activities (soil management, plant protection application) and post-harvest handling, packing, and storage.

PrimusGFS (Primus Group Food Safety): Company materials indicate Naturipe is a Primus Platinum Member and farms utilize PrimusGFS certification. PrimusGFS is a GFSI-recognized program covering Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), and Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). The program provides supply chain coverage from pre-farm gate through post-harvest operations. PrimusGFS audits assess irrigation and water use, soil amendments, land use, animal access control, equipment sanitization, worker health protocols, facility design, pest control, and waste disposal.

SQF (Safe Quality Food): Some facilities are documented as utilizing SQF certification, another GFSI-benchmarked standard addressing food safety management and quality.

Company materials state all growers maintain food safety personnel on-site trained in FDA regulations, produce rule requirements, and preventive controls. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are followed in packing houses, processing facilities, coolers, storage centers, and distribution facilities. All fields undergo pre-harvest inspection to verify no contamination has occurred. Traceability is maintained through SAP platform recording enabling forward and backward product tracking.

Social Responsibility Certifications

Fair Trade USA Certification: Some grower operations hold Fair Trade USA certification, which addresses sustainable development, community empowerment, and equitable trade practices. Fair Trade Certified products demonstrate compliance with standards benefiting farmers, workers, and communities. Naturipe operates a Charitable Giving Fund supporting children of farm workers in growing regions across North and South America, funded partially through Fair Trade premium programs.

Ethical Charter for the Fresh Produce Industry: Company materials indicate Naturipe was among early signatories to the ethical charter developed by the Produce Marketing Association (PMA) International Fresh Produce Association and United Fresh. The charter establishes social responsibility standards ensuring farmworker safety and security. Naturipe participates on the advisory board for the Ethical Charter Implementation Program (ECIP), providing farm-level assessment and training to ensure fair treatment of workers and prioritization of employee safety. Some farms have undergone third-party social responsibility audits verifying worker safety and respectful treatment.

Additional Quality Programs

Company materials reference implementation of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) programs guiding daily production practices to ensure safe berry production. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) protocols utilize biological, cultural, and mechanical controls as alternatives to conventional pesticide applications. Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) principles are applied where relevant in processing operations.

Market Distribution

Naturipe Farms supplies fresh and processed berries to markets across North America, Europe, and Asia. The company maintains sales and customer service offices strategically positioned in Salinas, California (headquarters); Tampa, Florida (global headquarters as of recent relocation); Grand Junction, Michigan; Estero, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Wenatchee, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; and Guadalajara, Mexico.

Geographic Markets

United States: Primary market for fresh berry sales through retail grocery outlets and foodservice distribution. The organization supplies berries year-round by coordinating seasonal production across domestic and international growing regions. California represents both a major production area and significant consumption market.

Canada: Distribution to Canadian markets with some production sourcing from British Columbia operations.

Europe: Export sales to European markets, supported by GLOBALG.A.P. certification commonly required by European retailers. The Hortifrut partnership provides established distribution channels for European market access.

Asia: Company materials reference distribution activities in Asian markets through the Hortifrut global network.

Distribution Channels

The company serves retail food outlets providing year-round selection of fresh berries. Products reach consumers through conventional grocery retailers, specialty organic markets, and foodservice operations. The partnership model allows coordination of supply across multiple customer segments while maintaining traceability from field to retail.

Products are sold under the Naturipe Farms brand name and Naturipe Farms Gold Label designation. Packaging includes indicators of geographic origin, allowing retailers and consumers to identify the state or country of production. This labeling approach supports consumer preferences for locally grown produce when regionally available while maintaining year-round supply through the partnership's hemispheric growing network.

The organization markets both directly to major retail chains and through distribution partners depending on market requirements and logistics. Frozen and value-added products from Naturipe Foods LLC serve retail, foodservice, and industrial customer segments requiring processed berry ingredients.

Sustainability Initiatives

Disclaimer: The following represents publicly stated initiatives documented in company materials. Independent verification of implementation would require third-party assessment.

Naturipe Farms operates under a sustainability framework called "Cultivate with Care," described in company materials as a commitment to minimizing environmental impact while supporting local and global communities. Sustainability practices documented in company materials and industry publications include:

Environmental Practices

Renewable Energy Integration: Company materials document multiple solar energy installations across the production network. A 2023 installation in Chile is described as the largest floating solar plant in South America. The Watsonville, California flagship cooler installed rooftop and solar parking canopy systems in 2024. Delano, California operations installed six acres of solar panels in 2024. New Jersey facilities incorporated renewable energy systems. As of 2025 documentation, over one-quarter of production volume is packed and cooled using renewable energy. These installations are documented as contributing to an estimated reduction of 100,000 metric tons in carbon emissions.

Water Management: Drip irrigation systems have been employed for over 40 years, delivering water and nutrients directly to root zones. Recent enhancements include laser-level technology for optimized nutrient delivery, tiling systems for water distribution efficiency, and mulch systems reducing water footprint. Tunnel structures extend growing seasons while improving plant and soil quality through moisture retention.

Soil Health and Regenerative Practices: No-till cultivation maintains live root systems year-round for blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, and avocados. Cover crop planting adds nutrients and organic matter including bacteria, fungi, and microorganisms essential for soil fertility. Composting programs recycle organic materials. Pruning residues and plant materials are composted or incorporated through chop-and-drop techniques to increase soil microbial diversity, improve carbon storage, and enhance water retention. Company materials state family farms have utilized practices allowing cultivation of the same land for generations.

Pollinator Habitat: Over 1,000 acres of pollinator habitats have been established throughout North and South America to support pollinator-reliant berry crops and local ecosystems.

Integrated Pest Management: IPM protocols employ biological controls, cultural practices, and mechanical methods including pest vacuums and netting to reduce reliance on conventional pesticides. Drones deliver predatory mites based on pest pressure detected through satellite imagery.

Social Responsibility

Company materials document participation in farmworker health and safety programs, including provision of health and dental services in some growing communities, construction of playgrounds and ball fields, and support for local charities. Training programs address food safety regulations, worker welfare, and ethical treatment standards.

Traceability and Technology

SAP enterprise software records all production data enabling forward and backward traceability for any shipped product. This system supports food safety compliance, recall management, and supply chain transparency. Proprietary breeding programs develop berry varieties suited to organic production systems, extended shelf life requirements, and consumer flavor preferences.

Innovation and Technology

Company materials document ongoing investment in breeding programs developing proprietary berry varieties. These varieties are designed to meet consumer flavor preferences, withstand distribution requirements, and adapt to organic production systems. The Munger family operations developed a proprietary wash process enabling 21-day shelf life for fresh blueberries in ready-to-eat snack formats.

Technology applications in farming operations include drone deployment for precise delivery of biological pest controls based on real-time monitoring, satellite imagery analysis for crop health assessment and pest pressure identification, laser-level irrigation technology for uniform nutrient distribution, and advanced drip irrigation systems with precise metering capabilities.

Breeding programs focus on developing varieties with enhanced flavor profiles, improved shelf life characteristics, resistance to common berry diseases, suitability for organic production protocols, and adaptability to climate variability across growing regions.

Information Currency and Verification

Certification validity and compliance status can change based on audits and operational changes. Buyers requiring certified products should request current documentation from the supplier and verify validity with certification bodies including USDA National Organic Program (for organic claims), GLOBALG.A.P. accreditation bodies, PrimusGFS certification agencies, and Fair Trade USA.

Accessing Current Information

Buyers and commercial partners seeking current information about Naturipe Farms' products, certifications, production capabilities, and availability should contact the company directly through official channels. The company website at www.naturipefarms.com provides contact information and product catalogs. Corporate offices are documented at:

• Global Headquarters: Tampa, Florida

• Operations Headquarters: Salinas, California

• Regional Offices: Grand Junction, Michigan; Estero, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; Wenatchee, Washington; Atlanta, Georgia; Guadalajara, Mexico

Naturipe Berry Growers maintains a separate website at www.naturipeberrygrowers.com for information specific to California coastal berry production.

For verified buyer-supplier introductions, commercial due diligence support, or assistance accessing current certification documentation, AgriLinkage can facilitate connections between qualified buyers and company representatives. Parties conducting commercial transactions should independently verify:

• Current organic certification status and scope for specific farms or products

• Current food safety audit results and certification validity

• Product availability for specific delivery windows and volumes

• Pricing and contract terms directly with company sales representatives

• Shipping capabilities and logistics for intended destination markets

• Specific product specifications including size grades, packaging formats, and quality parameters

Conclusion: Naturipe Farms' Position in Global Berry Supply

Naturipe Farms operates as a distinctive grower-owned partnership in the fresh berry industry, combining four major berry-growing entities to coordinate production across North and South America. This structural approach provides the organization with hemispheric production capabilities enabling year-round supply of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, cranberries, and avocados in both conventional and organic formats. The partnership model dating to 2002, built upon a foundation established in 1917, represents a grower-driven alternative to vertically integrated corporate structures common in produce marketing.

For buyers sourcing fresh or processed berries, Naturipe Farms presents as a relevant option due to documented GFSI-benchmarked food safety certifications (GLOBALG.A.P., PrimusGFS), substantial organic production capabilities with USDA NOP certification, geographic diversity enabling counter-seasonal supply, Fair Trade certification on select production, and established distribution infrastructure serving North American, European, and Asian markets. The organization's scale, derived from over 1,000 grower-owners across multiple countries, provides supply volume suitable for major retail chains and foodservice distributors requiring consistent year-round availability.

This company profile provides background context for understanding Naturipe Farms' organizational structure, production capabilities, certification framework, and market position. Current commercial engagement requires direct contact with company representatives to verify product specifications, availability, pricing, and certification status relevant to specific sourcing decisions. Independent due diligence including facility visits, certification verification with issuing bodies, and review of third-party audit documentation remains essential for informed commercial decision-making.