Key Takeaways
- BerryWorld and Tropic Cool Ltd have signed a term sheet to cooperate on the establishment of “Rwanda Berries,” a commercial berry farm in Rwanda.
- Rwanda Berries aims to export blueberries and raspberries to markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
- The farm will focus on premium Diamond Jubilee raspberries, Eureka Sunrise blueberries, and Sekoya blueberry varieties.
- BerryWorld will provide licensing, technical support, and distribution for Rwanda Berries’ production.
- Over the next five years, 150 hectares of farmland will be developed, creating over 1,200 jobs in Rwanda.
BerryWorld and Tropic Cool Collaborate on Rwanda Berries Project
BerryWorld and Tropic Cool Ltd have formalized their cooperation to establish Rwanda Berries, a large-scale commercial berry farm in Rwanda. The agreement outlines the potential licensing and supply of premium raspberry and blueberry varieties, as well as technical support and distribution partnerships.
BerryWorld, recently acquired by AgroBerries, has expanded its operations to become the world’s second-largest vertically integrated soft fruit producer and distributor, shipping over 150,000 tons in 2024.
Tropic Cool Ltd, based in Israel, is leading the establishment of Rwanda Berries, aiming to position Rwanda as a regional hub for berry exports. The country’s geographic location and climate conditions make it well-suited to complement existing berry production in Southern Africa and South America.
Berry Varieties and Market Distribution
Under the agreement, BerryWorld may provide licensing for award-winning varieties, including:
- Diamond Jubilee raspberries (BerryWorld Plus)
- Eureka Sunrise blueberries (Mountain Blue Orchards)
- Sekoya premium blueberries (Fall Creek)
Rwanda Berries will export its production to BerryWorld, which will then distribute the fruit through its global customer network. The project is expected to provide consistent access to fresh, high-quality berries for commercial markets in the Middle East, Europe, and Central Asia.
According to Avi Drori, CEO of Tropic Cool, “We believe Rwanda offers an ideal environment to build a competitive and sustainable berry industry, with strategic proximity to key export markets.”
Planned Expansion and Economic Impact For BerryWorld
Over the next five years, Rwanda Berries aims to develop 150 hectares of farmland, focusing exclusively on blueberries and raspberries. The project is expected to generate:
- More than 1,200 new jobs in Rwanda.
- Increased economic activity in the local agricultural sector.
- New export opportunities for Rwanda’s emerging berry industry.
BerryWorld will provide technical expertise to support the project’s success, working closely with the Rwanda Berries team on best agricultural practices and supply chain optimization.
Adrian Olins, CEO of BerryWorld’s Marketing division, stated, “We are confident that Rwanda Berries will execute a world-class agriculture project that benefits both Rwanda’s economy and the regional market for premium berries.”
As Rwanda Berries moves forward with its development, the project is expected to strengthen Rwanda’s role as an agricultural exporter while supporting regional supply chains for premium soft fruit production.
