The food industry's interest in more natural, traceable, and value-added ingredients is boosting international demand for processed tropical fruits, especially for juices, purees, and IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) products.
"The IQF category, in particular, responds to the need for versatile, ready-to-use formats in the retail, food service, and food manufacturing channels. We are the only IQF line in the Peruvian jungle betting on tropical fruits linked to small-scale agriculture," stated Renzo Gómez, representative of Selva Industrial, underlining the regional focus and social value of the productive model that involves small farmers from the coast and the jungle.
Currently, 75% of its exports go to Europe. The rest is distributed between the United States, Puerto Rico, Chile, and Ecuador. France, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Switzerland receive the Peruvian offer, mainly via the port of Rotterdam.
Selva Industrial works with twelve different fruits, including passion fruit, orange, mango, pineapple, camu camu, and carambola. The company's organic line portfolio has experienced significant growth, and six of the organic products it offers are certified. "The organic business is more stable and less volatile than the conventional one, and Peru has a very good reputation as a source of organic products," Renzo stated.
Recently, it has been boosted by sales of organic MD2 pineapple juice, puree, concentrate, and IQF formats. To face competitors such as Costa Rica, a leader in fresh pineapples, Selva Industrial has opted to differentiate itself by offering frozen organic pineapples, focusing on high-value niches where demand is growing steadily.
There are still challenges. "Climate change, high logistical costs, and speculation in maritime freight seriously affect commercial planning and stability. Freight rates can go from $4,000 today to $6,000 within three months, greatly affecting commercial relations," stated Renzo.
"Concentrated orange prices have fluctuated drastically: from $2,400-2,800/ton before COVID, to $7,000 during the shortage caused by greening, and now stabilizing at around $3,900-4,900. As a result of this volatility, the company has focused more on organic products, which are less exposed to the ups and downs of commodities," he stated.
Recently, the company has incorporated processed ginger, whose campaign began in June 2025 in the central jungle of Peru. "This product has gained relevance in the international market, especially after the pandemic, due to its high functional value and its immune-boosting properties. Currently, Peruvian ginger is in demand by companies that produce health drinks, immune shots, and functional mixtures, which value this root's aromatic intensity and nutritional profile. We export it in juice and frozen pulp formats, serving a growing segment within the natural and functional food industry," he stated.
In the medium term, we plan to consolidate our network of producers and expand to markets in Asia and Oceania, adjusting our offer to the flavor profile demanded by each country. The company is also working to overcome barriers such as the novel food status of camu camu in Europe.
"The important thing is to maintain traceability, health, and certifications. That's what importers are looking for in an increasingly demanding world," Renzo stated.
For more information:
Renzo Gómez
Selva Industrial
Peru
Email: [email protected]
www.selva.com.pe