Family Tree Farms and Mountain Blue Orchards celebrate 18 years of innovation

Since 2008, Family Tree Farms and Mountain Blue Orchards (MBO) have shared a unique partnership built on innovation, trust, and a common commitment to delivering exceptional berry flavor to consumers around the world. 

What began as a handshake agreement between the firm and Mountain Blue Orchards, an Australian-based breeding program, has evolved into one of the industry's most successful berry partnerships. Together, the two companies have introduced groundbreaking blueberry varieties that have helped redefine flavor, quality, and consistency across global markets. 

As the blueberry industry continues to evolve, the companies are entering an exciting new phase of growth. While MBO expands access to additional licensed grower partnerships, the firm will continue to hold exclusive rights to the program's original premier varieties and remain a cornerstone partner in the continued development of the MBO portfolio. 

"We are incredibly proud of what we've built alongside Mountain Blue Orchards over the past 18 years," said Doug LaCroix, VP of Sales and Marketing at Family Tree Farms. "Together, we've introduced varieties that consumers know and love, while creating a model focused on flavor, performance, and long-term sustainability. This next chapter creates opportunities for continued growth while preserving the strong partnership that has made the program successful." 

Family Tree Farms is running on innovation and genetic expertise

The company remains one of the largest and most experienced growers of MBO varieties worldwide, with production spanning key growing regions throughout California, Mexico, and Peru. The company's extensive expertise in genetics continues to provide retailers with dependable supply, exceptional eating quality, and year-round availability. 

As part of the industry's ongoing evolution, Family Tree Farms is also expanding its evaluation of additional breeding programs and emerging genetics. This strategy will strengthen supply continuity, improve regional adaptability, and create new opportunities to meet the growing demand for premium blueberries across global markets. 

"We view this as an opportunity," said Ryan Howard, North American Sales Director at Family Tree Farms. "Our commitment remains the same: delivering the most flavorful fruit possible while ensuring our customers have a reliable supply and access to the best genetics available." 

Family Tree Farms will continue working closely with MBO on future varietal development while maintaining its focus on bringing innovative, flavor-driven fruit to consumers worldwide. 

"Our relationship with Mountain Blue Orchards remains incredibly strong," added LaCroix. "The success of this program has always been about collaboration, and we're excited for what the future holds." 

*All images courtesy of Family Tree Farms.

Related stories

Family Tree Farms promotes Coleman Hammond to Director of US Grower Services

Family Tree Farms appoints Jerry Guerrero as CDO and Brenton Helm as VP of Sales Operations