Bloom Fresh doubles breeding research with new centre in California

Fruit grower Bloom Fresh has announced the opening of its new $14 million breeding campus, Fruitworks, the Bloom Fresh Discovery Center, in McFarland, California.

An inauguration ceremony to mark the center's opening took place on August 20 and was attended by local authorities, the McFarland High School Pep Band, McFarland Mayor Saul Ayon, and some of the leading table grape growers from around the world, according to a press release.

Bloom Fresh stated that the facility is equipped with laboratory environments designed to enhance the natural reproduction of fruit. With specialized laboratories and research areas, the center will facilitate the development of new varieties of fruit and the refinement of breeding techniques, according to the release.

“Bloom Fresh is truly committed to building a more delicious, healthier, and sustainable future for people around the world by harnessing the power of natural selection,” said Josep Estiarte, CEO of Bloom Fresh. “But we are aware that commitments like these require real and significant investments to be sustained, and this facility is exactly that.”

The Discovery Center is Bloom Fresh's bold and significant investment in natural breeding that will have an impact for generations to come.” The company stated that the main features of the center include:

• Advanced laboratory facilities of 28,000 square feet - The center features laboratories that integrate new scientific and research disciplines, providing comprehensive solutions for both growers and consumers. The facility is designed to promote a clean and controlled environment, optimizing the development of new varieties of grapes, cherries, and raisins.
• Innovative research tools - The center includes 150 acres of test vineyards, 25,000 square feet of greenhouses, and a post-harvest physiology lab, which will play a crucial role in post-harvest analysis and rootstock pairing.
• Increased support for growers - By focusing on reducing risks associated with introducing new fruits, the center offers increased support to growers and comprehensive analysis to ensure a better experience for retailers and consumers, the company said.

The center will serve as one of Bloom Fresh's two main research and breeding centers, alongside the existing facility in Murcia, Spain, according to the release.

Source: The Packer
Image: SL Fruit Service

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