US berry company Agrovision has entered the cherry production market by acquiring ZurGroup, a Chile-based fruit grower and exporter.  

Agrovision said it aims to leverage the South American nation’s “optimal growing conditions” to produce “proprietary premium cherry varieties”. 

It stated that “the strategic expansion adds beachhead for cherry cultivation in Chile, one of the world's largest cherry-growing regions”.  

The company, through its recently established subsidiary Agrovision Chile, plans to invest in 500ha of new cherry orchards. 

Agrovision said the acquisition of ZurGroup provides it with access to “state-of-the-art” packing facilities, acreage for cherry plantation and 250ha of premium blueberry plantation, complementing its existing Peruvian operations. 

Company co-founder and CEO Steve Magami said: “We are deepening Agrovision’s roots in Chile and bringing premium cherries to consumers worldwide. 

“Chile’s position as one of the world’s leading premium cherry producers, combined with our commitment to deliver quality through proprietary and advanced technology, allows us to meet the demand for exceptional superfruits that our consumers love and trust.” 

Leveraging the “established distribution channels”, the company plans to expand its reach to consumers in Asia, Europe, and North America.  

Agrovision Chile marks a “new phase” in the company's cherry expansion strategy, the company said.  

It builds on the company’s partnerships in the region, including a collaboration with Greenvic, an organic fruit exporter.  

In October 2024, Agrovision and Greenvic formed a production partnership to meet the growing demand for cherries in the Chinese market. 

Agrovision received a boost in March with an undisclosed investment from Los Angeles-based Aliment Capital.  

At the time, the company stated that the investment would provide “additional capital and expertise to help take Agrovision to its next level of growth”. 

Agrovision cultivates blueberries, raspberries, blackberries and table grapes, with operations in its home market, Mexico and China.