The production and availability of granadillas is being hit in recent months by the lack of rainfall and continued drought that continues to affect Colombia, so exports have also been failing to reach the desired volumes. "Rains will begin in June, so we have a promising outlook in the coming months. We currently have all the certificates required by the European Union, so we estimate that this year we could achieve a 15% increase in exports compared to 2015," affirms Fabio Contreras, representative of Ocati Colombia.
This exotic fruit native to South America is produced mainly in Peru, Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia. Colombia is the world's largest producer and exporter of the fruit, which is being marketed successfully in the domestic and international markets, mainly in Europe.
"Colombia is able to produce granadillas all year round, but there are high and low peaks. In the months from August to March our productivity reaches 100%. We, at Ocati, record an increase in exports during the peak season, with our weekly sales, mainly to Europe, growing by between 50% and 65%. But we still have a lot of potential, we believe that these volumes should increase considerably in the coming years," stresses Contreras.
The granadilla is an orange or yellow fruit with small white spots and a rounded shape, with a smooth, hard shell and an inner white padding to protect the seeds from the pulp. This pulp is full of seeds, surrounded by a gelatinous, light gray, transparent substance, with a very sweet and aromatic flavour. "In order to educate consumers, we are currently introducing an innovative product: a straw to consume the fruit directly and easily. We are introducing the product in Asia, mainly in Hong Kong, and we are receiving good feedback. We believe that if consumers understand how to eat the fruit, granadillas will become a great success," concludes the representative of the Colombian company.
For more information:
Fabio Contreras
Ocati Tropical Fruits
T: +571 8844433
M: +573 114748070