The passion fruit or gulupa, as it is known in Colombia, is a fruit with a low national consumption. At present, only 10% of the total production is allocated for local consumption; the remaining ninety percent is exported to Europe. "Our work base is in the Netherlands, as it's easier for us to supply our customers from there. This is a fruit that is becoming better known, is being consumed more, and has a growing acceptance," said Rodolfo Ahumada, the head of Pacific Fruits.
In the last few years, the company has been carrying out a training, accompaniment, and alliance process with producers in the departments of Caldas and Cundinamarca to achieve a greater production volume. "This is a very good crop and it will have great future prospects - if producers do things very well in the field, and if the fruit meets our parameters regarding its quality and handling of chemicals and pesticides," Ahumada said.
At the moment, the company is exporting a maximum of two to three containers per week. "That's not enough. We want to have a production that is in line with the demands of the market," Ahumada said. .
In May the passion fruit's price reached 11 euro FOB. The minimum price achieved in the Netherlands stood at 8.50 euro FOB for a box of 2 kg. "This is the its best moment, we have managed to earn up to 2 euro more per box than last year," he said. Colombia is the leading supplier of this fruit in Europe. The country's bad weather conditions have led to a smaller production volume and a delay in the crops. That's why prices have increased so much.
For more information:
Rodolfo Ahumada
Pacific Fruits S.A.S
Km. 1 Via Aeropuerto – Rozo Palmira,
Valle del Cauca, Colombia
Telf.: +57 314709281