Colombia's largest producer of physalis seeks new markets

Colombia remains the world's largest exporter of physalis, thanks mainly to the ideal conditions for growing it of the Andean highlands. "This allows us to obtain higher qualities in size and flavour when compared with the Ecuadorian and Peruvian product and with some African products," said Luis.

Colombia has 95% of the market, while Peru is more focused on the cultivation of organic physalis. Frutireyes received organic certification last November, although the market is still in experimental phase. Conventional fruit, which accounts for 98% of its production, is certified by Global GAP (and soon it will also be certified by HACCP) and strictly complies with the European requirements on the handling of agrochemicals.

Currently the company seeks to open new markets in Latin America and it is negotiating the removal of the required plant quarantine for exports of fresh physalis with the United States, as these represent a cost of about a dollar a box. "Brazil is the market that shows the most enthusiasm for our products in Latin America and we are already exploring destinations like the Dominican Republic, Costa Rica or Panama," he said.

The company makes deliveries in various formats, mostly of fresh fruit, but also dried and frozen fruits for which Frutireyes has its own production lines. Sales of fresh fruit are the most likely to grow, although the dried physalis offers the advantage of being combined with other products such as blueberries or dried fruits.

In the words of manager Frutireyes, the company's success has been consolidated based on two pillars: control over production and committed staff.