Costa China has reached a major milestone, celebrating 10 years of berry operations across Yunnan Province in southern China with an anniversary event this month.
Costa China employees from all regions gathered to celebrate the anniversary, joined by Costa CEO Marc Werner, CFO Wayne Johnston and COO Berry International Leon Van Biljon, along with representatives from the Australian Consulate‑General in Chengdu and Austrade, Driscoll’s and core suppliers.
Costa’s first blueberry farm totalling 25 hectares was established in Shiping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture in 2016, while later that same year a further 88 hectares was added at the Manlai Manle farm in Menghai County, Xishuangbanna.
Since then, the farming operations have expanded across Menghai, Baoshan, Xiangyun, Honghe and Lijiang, bringing Costa China’s total footprint to approximately 600 hectares in 2026.
CEO Marc Werner acknowledged the patience, determination and a willingness to learn throughout the development of the Costa China farms.
“Our teams worked alongside local officials and communities, adapting our growing systems to local conditions and building trust through everyday actions. That work laid the foundations for everything we celebrate today,” Marc said.
He also acknowledged a number of people who were instrumental in the journey including: Peter McPherson, who helped pioneer Costa’s blueberry business in Australia and spearheaded the expansion into China; Scott Wolgamot who led the China operation from 2015 to 2017; Cathy Chambers, Costa’s first female General Manager; and Lew Dagger, David Bardon, Don Bode and Gabby Brown.
Marc also thanked the current General Manager, ChenHui Mu, and the leadership team for carrying the business forward and supporting the people who will shape its next chapter.
“To our colleagues who have been here from the beginning, thank you for your loyalty and belief. To those who have joined along the way, thank you for the energy, commitment and ideas you bring,” he said.
Costa’s operations in China have been shaped by a simple goal: to help build a modern, sustainable berry business that delivers premium fruit to Chinese consumers while supporting local agricultural development.
Drawing on Costa’s global experience, the business introduced world-leading berry varieties, protected cropping systems and modern farm management practices to Yunnan. These innovations have helped create a high-quality production model suited to local conditions, while supporting productivity, consistency and long-term sustainability.