Chile-based berry giant Hortifrut has announced a joint venture agreement with leading Chinese fruit distributor Joy Wing Mau Agricultural Produce Corporation (JWM) to establish production in the Asian country. 

The development comes the same week the Chinese-based company announced a joint venture with South African produce multinational Capespan.

Under the deal with Hortifrut, a new company will be created to "develop and lead" the fresh berry business on the Chinese continent, according to a release.

The Chile-based entity will own 51% of the new company and both parties will jointly invest in berry plantations with the aim of bolstering supply in China and Asia.

The first plantings are due to be made at the start of next year, with Hortifrut providing blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and strawberry varieties for the new company.

Hortifrut will also have the mission of "combining and supporting" local production in China with counter-seasonal berries supplied from other parts of the world, "delivering the most solid supply of the complete berry category in China year-round."

Meanwhile, JWM will provide distribution services to Hortifrut. The Chinese company has more than 20 affiliates covering production, logistics, storage, import and export. It also has offices in 80 cities including Beijing and Shanghai, and 40 distribution centers around the country.

"We are thrilled to share our dream of 'All the Berries to All of China All Year Round', in conjunction with our partners JWM, as we believe the Chinese market will become the most important in the world and we will be a very significant part of it," Hortifrut president Víctor Moller said.

Related story: New Asian JV for Capespan, Joy Wing Mau

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