Munger Brothers, LLC, Delano, Calif., and Chile-based Hortifrut S.A. announced plans to merge the Munger’s berry business with Hortifrut, S.A., forming a consolidated global berry organization with operations in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, California, Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Europe, Africa and Asia.

Munger-Hortifrut North America, Inc. will be a new subsidiary of Hortifrut S.A. and manage the North American berry operations.

“We are extremely proud and honored to join hands with the Munger family, whom we have known for well over a decade and with whom we have successfully collaborated on a wide range of berry projects,” says Victor Moller, founder and chairman, Hortifrut S.A. “Our families share the passion, traditions and principles that are the hallmark of farming families spanning many generations. This unique alignment enables even greater stability for the next generation of our families, partners and employees who are already entrenched on the front lines of our respective companies.”

Munger Brothers is said to be the largest North American fresh blueberry producer with over 3,000 acres in the premier producing regions from British Columbia to Washington, Oregon, California and Mexico, by introducing proprietary varieties, new growing techniques, advanced post-harvest technologies and unique innovations in packing and processing facilities.

The Munger companies have made significant capital investments over the last five years to expand conventional and organic blueberry acreage, packing capacity, as well as construction of new dried fruit, individually-quick frozen (IQF) and value-added facilities. In 2011, Munger introduced proprietary “ready-to-eat” blueberries in consumer berry snack packs and pre-portioned foodservice servings.

“Our family is thrilled to be merging with Hortifrut and the Moller family; our cultures and values are closely aligned and we are confident this will be a seamless transition,” says David Munger, co-founder of Munger Brothers. “We have collaborated for many years sharing innovations, best practices, and at times, our highly experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable staffs.”

“This merger will enable even greater synergies and dedication of resources to implement new projects in North America, as well as expanding upon many excellent opportunities to better serve our customers worldwide,” adds co-founder Kable Munger.

The parties contemplate the merger will be accomplished during the fourth quarter of 2016.