Andean exotic fruits

Executive Summary

Colombia and Ecuador are Andean countries with similar agroecological and cultural characteristics, which allows the same species to be cultivated and in many cases share the same economic and social importance. This is the case of the cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana L.), the tree tomato (Cyphomandra Betacea (Cav) Sendt) and the passion fruit (Passiflora Ligularis L.), which present potential for the international market given their exotic and nutritional character and the change in the eating habits of the population, that is now seeking an increase in the consumption of fruits and vegetables.

The linking and positioning of these products in the international fruit market would allow the insertion of the rural economies typical of these systems into the global food marketing chains. However, given the boom that these fruit and vegetable chains have shown in the global market, competition is increasing every day so it is essential to maintain high quality standards and make use of any competitive advantage that may be had. Thus, with the development of this project, technological development was sought in the harvest and postharvest stages of these species, seeking alternatives that are competitive and sustainable, socially and environmentally, and that ensure the quality of the product throughout the commercialization chain and increase its added value through fresh fruit conditioning operations, as well as its transformation into products with a longer shelf life. These developments were accompanied by training in good agricultural and manufacturing practices as appropriate.

The technological solution

Competitive alternatives of harvesting, conditioning and transformation for the valorization of the production of fruits of common interest for the Andean countries, through the development of an integrative and participative model of postharvest management, appropriate to the conditions of the members of these chains, which allows decrease losses, increase added value, offer first quality products, ensure income for its members and the positioning of these products in the market and the possibility of raising the level and quality of life of producers.

Results

Beneficiaries

Farmers dedicated to the production of Andean fruits in Colombia and Ecuador

Sustainable Development Goals

Main donors