From Local Fields to Global Markets: The Twin River Berries Success Story
Twin River Berries began as a shared dream between two visionary farmers from different continents. Paul Escoe from Oregon and Miguel Leonetti from Argentina didn't just grow blueberries—they cultivated a legacy that would eventually span the globe.
The Roots of Twin River
Paul Escoe, originally an airline pilot, turned his sights to agriculture as he neared retirement. In 2004, he started a small organic blueberry farm in Hood River, Oregon. His mission was simple yet profound: to provide high-quality, organic berries while maintaining a deep connection to the land. His farm quickly became a staple in local markets across the Pacific Northwest.
Thousands of miles away, Miguel Leonetti was making a name for himself in San Pedro, Argentina. Starting his farm in 2003, Miguel's entrepreneurial spirit thrived in the rich agricultural landscape. His leadership and innovation led him to become a board member of the Argentina Blueberry Commission from 2008 to 2015. Eventually, his berries found their way across the U.S. and beyond.
An Unlikely Partnership
Their paths crossed when Paul, who frequently flew to Argentina, explored the idea of extending his growing season by owning a farm in the Southern Hemisphere. During a visit to a local farm to learn more about the blueberry industry, he met Miguel, and their shared interest in expanding their businesses led to a partnership. Together, they began importing Miguel’s blueberries to the U.S., combining their expertise and resources to meet growing demand.
As this partnership grew, Paul’s son, Ben Escoe, stepped into a leadership role at Twin River. Having worked summers on the family farm in Hood River, Ben developed a deep interest in the food industry. After studying accounting and finance at Oregon State University and working in public accounting, Ben joined Twin River full-time, where he became the managing partner. His skills in business management helped steer the company into new growth opportunities.
On Scaling Up
Initially, Twin River shipped approximately 30,000 pounds of blueberries during the domestic U.S. season and 100,000 pounds from Argentina. As the business expanded, the company began contracting with local growers in Oregon, Washington, and regions in Argentina like San Pedro, Concordia, and Tucumán. This expansion led to the development of their own packing facilities in both Washington and Argentina, allowing them to manage every stage of the farm-to-table process.
To secure a year-round supply of fresh berries, Twin River expanded into additional regions, including Chile, Peru, and Mexico. These regions provided the necessary production to fill gaps in the U.S. market from September to June. Peru quickly became a leading exporter in South America, while Mexico’s production grew significantly over the next five years. This expansion positioned Twin River as a superior force in the global berry market, known for delivering high-quality, fresh berries regardless of the season. Their commitment to excellence has set a new standard for supply chain efficiency and product quality across the industry.
The company’s growth didn’t stop with blueberries. In 2017, Twin River diversified its product offerings by adding raspberries to its portfolio, which now make up 40% of their berry supply from Mexico. Blackberries were introduced in 2019, further solidifying their presence in the berry market. By 2023, Twin River had grown beyond its original farms, establishing operations in additional regions and expanding its supply network.
Today, Twin River Berries is recognized as a vertically integrated business that supports a global supply chain. From its humble beginnings as two small family farms to becoming a leader in year-round berry production, the company’s focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation remains at the heart of everything they do.
Next time, we’ll take a closer look at Twin River Berries’ efficient packing process and how they ensure that only the best berries make it to your table.
Experience the taste of fresh, premium-quality berries delivered right to your door, all year long! Reach out to us at info@trberries.com or fill out our contact form today!