The investment firm Atitlan, under the leadership of Roberto Centeno and Aritza Rodero, is actively channeling investments through Elaia, focusing on olive groves. Elaia also manages Atgro, a fund established with Banco Santander, which has raised €300 million, aiming for €500 million across the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America.
During the Agribusiness 2025 meeting in Valencia, Atitlan's executive highlighted the importance of ensuring supply to major distribution clients through geographic diversification. Atgro's focus is on superfruits and supernuts, with pistachios in Spain and table grapes in Peru as primary varieties. Elaia's CEO, Ramón Rivera, stated, "There are opportunities based on new genetic varieties, which are allowing its cultivation in different geographies and also provide a production window of up to almost 10 months."
Elaia is expanding into the blueberry sector, capitalizing on genetic advancements. In Peru, a major blueberry exporter, Atgro, acquired table grape producer Ecosac. The fund is also exploring hazelnut projects in Chile, with Rivera noting higher productivity through new varieties and planting areas.
Atitlan and Santander's Atgro fund has raised €300 million, with plans for €125 million in new investments. Elaia aims to expand its table grape assets, leveraging geographic diversity to extend production windows. Rivera emphasized Peru's logistical advantages and the role of genetic research in adapting to climate challenges.
Elaia, founded in 2007 with Sovena, managed 15,000 hectares across Iberia and Morocco. In 2022, Atitlan expanded into pistachios, covering over 3,000 hectares in Albacete and Toledo, and maintains a presence in Spain's citrus sector through Romu.
Source: Blueberries Consulting
