Fresh 52 secures €100 million for Santarém carrot project

The American company Fresh 52 has received a financing tranche from Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) for a €100 million project to establish a baby carrot production unit in Santarém, Portugal.

This initiative aims to create the first European operation capable of producing fresh baby carrots year-round, utilizing a vertically integrated model that spans from agricultural production to industrial processing. The company plans to export approximately 98% of its production to European markets.

Project promoters noted that Santarém offers climatic conditions similar to Bakersfield, California, which is a major North American production hub. The decision to invest follows eight years of agricultural trials in Portugal, confirming that the region's mild winters and warm summers are suitable for continuous supply.