A new chapter begins: Consalo Family Farms expands global growing footprint to Peru 

Consalo Family Farms of New Jersey and Frutanza of Peru have joined together to form ConFrut, a new 50/50 farming partnership focused on growing premium blueberries in Peru. 

The partnership represents a significant expansion of the company's blueberry business and establishes direct ownership of blueberry production in Peru. Both firms will jointly own the farming operation, with both families invested in the land, infrastructure, production, and fruit. The first project is planned for about 500 acres, developed in four stages, with additional expansion envisioned beyond that initial project. 

For Consalo, a fourth-generation family farming business founded in New Jersey in 1927, the investment marks an important step toward becoming a truly year-round blueberry grower. It also extends the family's grower-led approach into a region essential to the global blueberry supply calendar. 

“This is a major step for our family and our company,” said Skip Consalo, CEO of Consalo Family Farms. “We've been growing and shipping produce for generations, and blueberries have become an incredibly important part of our business. This partnership gives us the opportunity to take what we have built in North America and put our own roots in the ground in Peru.” 

The partnership brings together complementary strengths. Frutanza contributes extensive experience growing blueberries in Peru, including local farming knowledge, production expertise and an established operating presence. Consalo brings generations of farming experience, its North American distribution network, supply-chain capabilities and longstanding relationships with major retailers. 

“This partnership marks an important milestone in our vision to become a leading global blueberry producer, combining our strengths to deliver premium fruit and achieve long-term growth,” said Diego Torpoco, CEO of Frutanza. 

 “We knew very quickly that there was a natural fit between our two companies. Consalo understands farming and what customers in North America are looking for. We understand Peru and how to grow exceptional blueberries here,” said Alvaro Espinoza, General Manager of Frutanza. “By putting those strengths together as equal partners, we believe ConFrut can become something very special.” 

Consalo, Torpoco, and Espinoza all worked closely together along with Bruno Giribaldi, Consalo Family Farms' EVP Global Sourcing, whose combined experience and relationships were instrumental in bringing this partnership to life. 

Why Peru and why now 

Peru's counter-seasonal production complements Consalo's North American growing operations and partnerships, helping the company build a more continuous blueberry program across the year. Its climate and growing conditions have made it an increasingly important region for the category. For Consalo, investing there means owning a stake in the farms and fruit behind its Peru program, alongside a partner who knows how to grow in that region. 

The partners intend to focus on the premium end of the blueberry category, emphasizing premium varieties, larger sizes, exceptional quality, and consistent supply. Consalo Family Farms will handle the fruit's marketing and sales under their own label. For customers, the investment links fruit grown in Peru directly to the company team and brand they already know. 

“We aren't looking simply to add more blueberries,” the executive said. “The goal is to grow the best fruit we possibly can. We want the right varieties, the right size, the right flavor, and the right quality. If our family's name is connected to it, that's what our customers should expect.” 

“Customers don't think about blueberries as a seasonal item anymore,” he added. “They want great blueberries 12 months a year. To do that at the level we expect, we need to be involved in growing the fruit, not just sourcing it. With our partners at Frutanza, we own the farms and the fruit, and we'll stand behind what we bring to market.” 

A new chapter for Consalo ahead of a new century 

The announcement comes ahead of Consalo Family Farms' first exhibition at the IFPA Global Produce & Floral Show, where more than 10 team members from across the organization will welcome customers, growers, and industry partners at Booth #1004. The company's largest exhibition to date will put its history and next chapter side by side. 

Beyond blueberries, the team will represent the company's growing, sourcing, packing, shipping, and distribution capabilities, as well as its vegetable and citrus programs. The company wants customers to meet the people behind the products and see the full scope of what it can deliver.

 “We want attendees to leave IFPA with a fresher perspective of Consalo,” said Morgan DiMartino, Vice President of Marketing. “Our history matters, but so does what we're building now. From the fruit and the people to the way we show up, we want them to see a company that is investing in its future and committed to premium without compromise.” 

The firm will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2027. The Peru investment is a tangible expression of how the family intends to enter its next century: carrying the grower mentality that built the business in New Jersey into another major growing region and investing in relationships designed to last. 

While international expansion represents a new chapter, the philosophy behind it is the same one that has guided the family business for generations: grow it, stand behind it, and build relationships for the long term. 

“This isn't about Consalo going to Peru and simply buying fruit,” Consalo said. “We're going there to farm. We're investing alongside Frutanza, sharing ownership and building something together for the long term.” 

“We're putting our name, our capital and our experience directly into the ground,” the CEO added. “We're growing it. We own it. And we're just getting started.”

*All images courtesy of Consalo Family Farms. 

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