The Vanguard International Group (Vanguard) has agreed to purchase Agricola Challapampa S.A.C. and Agricola Milagritos S.A.C., collectively known as Challapampa, in Ica, Peru, as part of its strategy to develop a global vertically‐integrated fresh fruit organization, able to supply fresh crop products 52 weeks per year from its farms to its customers.
Founded in 2007 by Frank Michell and Darío Núñez, Challapampa is one of Peru’s leading producers of grapes, citrus, and pomegranates. Challapampa is a 500‐hectare grape, mandarin, and pomegranate production unit comprised of two ranches, Challapampa and Milagritos. Challapampa has become one of the most sought after suppliers in the global market with a stable of well known and demanded labels that include Red Tiger, Red Rabbit, Golden Horse, Sweet Crane, and Pampa Fresh. Challapampa’s mix on grapes is a combination of proprietary seedless varieties and Red Globes. Other varieties produced include Tango Mandarins and Pomegranates.
Located in the Villacuri region of the Ica valley, Ica is considered to be the premier production area in Peru and one of the finest grape production areas in the world. Harvest in this area is generally timed for mid‐November through the end of March.
“We are thrilled to welcome Challapampa to Vanguard and continue our working relationship with this global industry leader, shares Craig Stauffer, Vanguard’s CEO. Stauffer adds, “We are proud to be associated with Challapampa and look forward to increasing our footprint in Peru to enhance our ability to supply our customers around the world.”
Further development of Challapampa will continue to focus on planting additional acreage of complimentary products that provide a unique taste experience and superior quality. Dirk Winkelmann, Vanguard’s Chief Business Development Officer explains, “Challapampa and Milagritos have a superb reputation both in the Peruvian agricultural industry and international markets, and are an important component of our long term strategy.”
Frank Michell will continue as Vanguard Peru’s and Agricola Challapampa’s General Consultant, and Darío Núñez, will continue as Vanguard Peru’s and Agricola Challapampa’s Vice President of Farming Operations. “We are dedicated to ensuring a smooth transition and seamless integration of all entities as we enter this exciting partnership between Challapama and Vanguard,” says Frank Michell.
“This is the start of many more strategic combinations between the Peru growing community and the global leaders at Vanguard International,” exclaims Darío Núñez, Vanguard Peru’s and Challapampa’s Vice President of Farming Operations in Peru. Guy Kisling, Vanguard’s CFO said, “Challapampa is an outstanding company. Period. They define quality in the Peru grape industry. Frank, Dario, and the entire Challapampa Team have built a world‐class operation over the past 9 years, and it has been our absolute pleasure to work so closely with them as a trusted partner. This is a fantastic combination of great synergies in our platform. With Challapampa as the bedrock in Peru, Vanguard is positioned to deliver a unique supply chain solution to our customers globally. Combining efforts knocks down barriers and allows our teams to grow with confidence around a larger common purpose. That’s exciting.”
Kevin Andrew, Vanguard’s Chief Farming Officer said, “The addition of Challapampa to the Vanguard Team is a huge accomplishment. Challapampa has built a worldwide reputation for quality and excellence. Frank Mitchell has proven to be a visionary by establishing such a strong company in a relatively new industry, and Dario Nunez has established himself as one of the leading managers and table grape growers in the Southern Hemisphere with a well‐deserved reputation for producing the highest quality grapes and building a strong support team. The Ica region possesses the climate and soils to produce outstanding quality year after year. Challapampa will be a perfect addition to compliment Vanguard's expansion into North America and South America.”
For more information:
Craig Stauffer
The Vanguard International Group
+1 425 557 8250