Mbiza Blueberries

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The proposed investment consists of an IFC investment package of €30 million ($36 million equivalent) loan to Mbiza Trading (“Mbiza” or the “Company”) to support its expansion of blueberry farms and related infrastructure in the Republic of South Africa. Mbiza is a Mauritian trading and holding company that focuses on the production and marketing of blueberries under its proprietary “OZblu” brand. Established in 2014, Mbiza has quickly expanded to currently manage its own farm (either wholly or partially owned) in South Africa and Zambia while sourcing from out growers. The OZblu brand has garnered strong attention from its customers in Europe with their new varieties of blueberries.  These varieties, driven by its fine combination of firmness or crunch (measured technically by way of Durofel) which provides better shelf life, and sweeter blueberries (measured technically by way Brix (symbol °Bx), i.e. fruit sugars) means a superior eating experience for the end consumer.  The OZblu varieties are also more flavourful, have very good bloom and larger in size.