The norm that gives way for Colombia to export cape gooseberries or Physalis without cold treatment into the United States, and that defines the requirements for exporters to access this new permit, came into effect on June 2.
The Physalis has found niches in the United States, where there is interest in healthy exotic flavoured food.
Proexport Colombia has identified different uses for this fruit, among them, the fresh fruit can be used as decoration or as an ingredient for the production of snacks, jams and juices.
The recent decision by the United States of allowing the entry of Colombian physalis without cold treatment (required to prevent the Mediterranean Fruit fly), creates more opportunities for exporters of this fruit; especially in the departments of Boyacá and Cundinamarca, which concentrate 80% of the country's production and where the fruit crops are higher than 2,200 meters above sea level, one of the requirements by APHIS.
"The United States buyer is willing to try new flavours and this is an advantage for the physalis. One of the distribution channels that we have identified is the foodservice, in which it can be used as an ingredient in various dishes as well as desserts and salads, or used in the decoration. Additionally, in retail, especially in high-end supermarkets," said Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of Proexport Colombia.
We have identified opportunities for fresh and processed fruits in general, including the gooseberry, in New Jersey, Texas, Washington, New York and California, among others. It's worth noting that this fruit has been very well received in New York and California.
Source: PROEXPORT Colombia