Because of its great health benefits, related to its high content of vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, physalis is gaining a stronger position in Europe. Passion fruit, meanwhile, is another exotic fruit that is recording a growing trend. Both fruits are grown in the Andean region of Colombia and the South American country is becoming a major exporter.
With an average of six containers of physalis and two of passion fruit, five companies account for the largest share of the Colombian supply. "While African countries like Zimbabwe and Kenya are our main competitors, Colombia tops the ranking of producers of these exotic fruits. The products are becoming increasingly popular, although we could still manage to boost consumption," states Andrea Tapias, of Frutireyes.
"The marketing of physalis has been growing over the last twelve years and Europe remains the most important destination for these fruits. The UK is the main consumer of physalis and the German market is the one importing the most physalis. Despite its lack of promotion in the international markets, physalis has become well known in the culinary world. And while opinions about passion fruit are generally positive, it still has a long road ahead to reach a similar popularity," stresses the Colombian company's spokesperson.
The availability of these two products has been severely affected in recent months as a result of an on-going drought in Colombia, so demand for physalis and passion fruit has increased significantly.
"We hope that the weather conditions will go back to normal soon, as we have been getting more demand than we are able to export. We must meet the requirements set by our customers, but due to the lack of rainfall, the availability of the products is quite limited," explains the representative of Frutireyes.
"The forecast is that rains will arrive in April, so we hope the demand for both passion fruit and physalis will increase. Colombia has a great potential for the export of these exotic fruits that remains untapped because of the little promotion of these products," concludes Andrea Tapias.
More information:
Andrea Catalina Tapias
Frutireyes
Carrera 67 #94-41
Bogotá – Colombia
+571 5336739+571 5336739
