Last month, Ecuadorian and US officials met in Washington, D.C. to discuss final phytosanitary protocols for soursop. “At the moment, we have received confirmation from APHIS that fresh soursop from Ecuador will be granted US access, only under certain conditions,” says Ricardo Roggiero with Freshway Produce. He is hopeful a final decision will be made before the end of 2023, as soon as APHIS approves AGROCALIDAD’s operational workplan. Ecuador had requested to receive admission for soursop to enter the United States without irradiation treatment. “However, the way things are looking now, soursop from Ecuador will have to be treated with irradiation at the US port of entry,” commented Roggiero.
“There is a significant soursop area in Ecuador that is ready to ship and there haven’t been any fruit fly infections in this region,” commented Roggiero. “It’s very important for Ecuador to be able to ship soursop. Unfortunately, the country doesn’t have any sites that could perform the irradiation treatment. As a result, it will have to be done at the port destination. In addition, an irradiation treatment will prevent organic soursop from entering the US. “Soursop loses its organic characteristics during irradiation.”
Superfood
Soursop is mainly used for juicing and as a concentrate. “In processed form, it can be shipped to the US, just not fresh.” Canada and Europe however take both processed and fresh soursop. “It is a very exotic product with a ton of health benefits,” commented Roggiero. “It’s considered a superfood that helps prevent diabetes and cancer, but also improves eye health and strengthens the immune system.”
Soursop is available from Ecuador year-round, but the peak months of production are January through April. Freshway Produce is excited to start offering soursop. “We are looking forward to working with new growers and expanding our exotic fruit line,” commented Roggiero.
For more information:
Ricardo Roggiero
Freshway Produce
Tel: (+1) 786-300-4485
sales@freshwayusa.com
www.freshwayusa.com