Eos Capital invests in Namibia Berries to boost blueberry production | Fresh Produce Middle East & Africa Magazine
Summary
NAMIBIA Namibias blueberry industry is set for a significant boost with Eos Capitals recent acquisition of a 15% stake in Namibia Berries, a hydroponic blueberry producer based in Divundu.The investment signals a strategic move to strengthen Namibia Berries growth trajectory, with plans to expand the companys operational area to over 500 hectares in the next 5-7 years.This partnership, according to Namibia Berries, aims to elevate Namibias position in the global blueberry market while contributing significantly to the local economy.We are delighted to welcome Eos Capital as a new investor in Namibia Berries, said Michael Rodenburg, founder of Loxworth Capital, the parent company of Namibia Berries.Their commitment to sustainable growth in the agriculture sector aligns perfectly with our vision for the companys expansion. This strategic partnership will not only accelerate the growth of Namibia Berries but also create meaningful opportunities for local communities.Etuna Hango, the transaction lead at Eos Capital, highlighted the broader impact of this investment stating that the project will bring valuable employment opportunities to Divundu and help Namibia earn foreign currency through exports.Namibia Berries has a strong management team with extensive experience in blueberry farming and a history of successfully executing projects of this scale, Hango said.Last year, Namibia Berries announced plans to invest 1.5 billion Namibian dollars (USD 80.2 million) over the next seven years, with the development of a 250-hectare farm in Divundu.This investment, supported by major Spanish agri-food companies Puliberries SL and Agricola SL, focuses on expanding blueberry production primarily for export markets. The project is expected to create nearly 800 direct jobs and an additional 7,000 seasonal jobs during harvest periods.Namibias growing blueberry market reflects a growing trend in Southern Africa, where countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia have seen a surge in production.These countries benefit from their ability to harvest fruit earlier than South Africa, gaining access to European markets when prices are generally higher.According to the Bureau for Food and Agricultural Policy (BFAP), this trend is likely to continue as other African countries expand their production.Namibia Berries is a part of this regional growth, joining Namib Blue, the countrys first commercial blueberry plantation.Namib Blue, located in the Kavango East region, has already begun exporting blueberries to Europe, Asia, and the Indian Ocean islands and is expected to produce up to 450 tons of blueberries, nearly tripling last years harvest.Sign up to receive our email newsletters with the latest news updates and insights from Africa and the World HERE.