Paksong, Bolaven Plateau, LAOS – Costa Group CEO Mr Marc Werner was joined by a number of local dignitaries on Saturday (March 1) to officially launch Costa’s new investment in establishing an initial 17 hectares of blueberry crop at Paksong on the Bolaven Plateau in Laos. It is anticipated this investment will grow over the next five years to include 200 hectares of blueberry plantings.
“This is not only an important project for the Costa Group in developing the company’s international berry growing operations, but also in establishing what we hope will be a major investment in berry farming in Laos that will promote economic development, provide benefits for the local agricultural sector, and support local communities,” said Mr Werner.
In addition to the initial 17 hectares of crop, Costa intends to plant a further 50 hectares in 2026, and an anticipated 200 hectares by 2028.
“All going to plan, over the next five years, this investment will be a significant commitment by Costa to establishing a commercial and at scale blueberry farming footprint in Laos,” said Mr Werner.
Costa is recognised as both a global leading blueberry grower and developer of unique blueberry varieties, through our blueberry variety improvement program, which has now been successfully operating for 30 years.
Costa has been able to develop blueberry varieties and agronomic practices that are suitable for growing blueberries in the southern and northern hemisphere, including in temperate and sub-tropical climates, which can be grown under protective cover and out of the soil in substrate.
“What makes Laos such an ideal location for Costa to grow blueberries is not only its climate and geographic location, but also the opportunity to export these blueberries to other countries in Asia,” said Mr Werner.
The project currently employs a local workforce of 65 people and as the investment progresses, Costa is committed to employing more locals, through developing and training a local workforce.
“There will be local employment opportunities at every level of our Laos operation, be it on farm roles, specialist horticulture roles and of course supervisor and management roles. Indeed, when we reach the planned production footprint of 200 hectares, our workforce should grow to employing up to 2,000 locals,” said Mr Werner.
Mr Werner acknowledged the support of a number of people in facilitating the investment, including the Laos Minister of Industry and Commerce, Mr Malaythong Khomasith and the Governor of Champasak Province, Mr Alounxai Sounnalath.
“Costa greatly appreciates their willingness to recognise the value that Costa can bring to the Laos agricultural industry. We are also grateful for the valuable support shown by the
Australian Government, through the Australian Ambassador to Laos, Her Excellency, Ms Megan Jones and the embassy staff,” said Mr Werner.
Costa blueberry varieties are grown in a number of countries and continents around the world, including Australia, China, Morocco, Zimbabwe, South Africa and across the Americas.
“We are delighted that Laos can now be added to this exclusive list,” said Mr Werner.
