Products such as lucuma, passion fruit, cherimoya, and organic pineapple have gained ground, not necessarily because of their volumes, but because of their potential for differentiation in specialized segments.
For companies such as Mariposa Andina, with operations in the Andean and Amazonian areas of the country, the development of a diverse frozen range has been fundamental. These fruits not only respond to health and convenience trends, but also to values such as traceability, fast processing, and distinctive sensory profiles.
© Mariposa Andina
Passion fruit: Versatility and sensory advantages
"Passion fruit currently accounts for the company's largest export volume. It is marketed both with and without seeds and in frozen halves, a format that is highly valued in the hotel and food service sector for its practicality. Despite competition from Asian countries, the Peruvian product's organoleptic profile gives it a competitive advantage. Our clients tell us that the flavor of Peruvian passion fruit is more intense, more fragrant," says Graciela Trujillo, the company's executive director. This perception has allowed the company to maintain its position in markets such as the U.S. and Europe.
© Mariposa Andina
Frozen organic pineapple: Focus on certifications
One of the most recent developments has been the incorporation of organic MD2 pineapple. "The product is processed in an exclusive certified line from reception to dispatch. This allows us to serve specific markets with demanding standards in terms of safety and traceability. The main destinations are the United States and Europe. The focus on certifications such as FSSC 22000, Kosher, organic, and soon SMETA has been central to maintaining stable commercial relations in this segment, which isn't as exposed to the volatility of conventional commodities," she says.
© Mariposa Andina
Frozen lucuma: Between seasonality and nostalgic value
Although on a lower scale, frozen lucuma is in constant demand in markets such as Chile and the United States, where consumption is linked to nostalgia and gastronomic identity. "The harvesting process is staggered, as trees have fruit at different stages of ripeness. Consequently, production is more expensive, making it essential to work with efficient formats and careful planning. Still, lucuma continues to be sought-after for its characteristic flavor in products such as ice cream, smoothies, or processed desserts," she says.
© Mariposa Andina
Cherimoya: Growing interest in Asia
Frozen cherimoya has started sparking interest outside of Latin America. Japan and Korea have received samples and are developing uses for it in bakery and confectionery. "It is a slow process, but with potential. At the operational level, the company's model allows it to purchase all the fruit available from local producers, which guarantees continuity in the production chain and immediate processing to ensure the fruit's qualities are preserved," says Trujillo.
As for export prices, they remain stable: "Lucuma and cherimoya cost around 4 dollars per kilo, depending on the packaging. Pineapple prices are subject to seasonality and international demand. Factors such as the size of the packaging also play a role: the smaller the format, the higher the price per kilo, due to labor and material costs," he says.
"The products are exported in flexible formats, from industrial cylinders to 100-gram packs, adapted to the client's brand and weight requirements. Mixed containers are also marketed when needed. The company expects a 30% growth of exports this year, as well as further investments in line expansion, logistics, and personnel," she says.
For more information:
Graciela Trujillo
Mariposa Andina
Peru
Tel.: +51 997 923 051
[email protected]
www.mariposaandina.com
