Tropifoods, a family business founded more than 35 years ago, is specialized in the production of roots and tubers, with cassava as its main product. According to operations and finance manager Joshua Guerrero, "the company has been recording steady growth in its exports to the United States since 1990, and in those to Europe since 2006; growth driven by a strategy focused on product quality and the loyalty of key customers in each market."
In terms of volume, Tropifoods exported approximately 220 containers of cassava in 2023, and in 2024, prospects point to 10-15% growth, which would equate to around 250 containers.
Costa Rica, Tropifoods' home country, is the world's leading exporter of fresh cassava for human consumption, with smaller competitors in South Africa and Ecuador. "Of all the cassava shipped from Costa Rica, almost 80% goes to the United States and the other 20% to Europe," says Guerrero.
"The peak of the cassava campaign is usually reached from August to February, when Europe and North America have colder weather and the demand for products such as cassava, which is consumed both in soups and fried, increases." Despite a drop in the prices paid during the summer months, Guerrero is optimistic about a recovery in September.
"The European market's demand for cassava has increased. This trend has been driven not only by the Latin American, African and Indian ethnic communities, but also by the growing interest in gluten-free products in Europe," says Guerrero. France, in particular, stands out as the main market for Tropifoods after an exclusive partnership has been signed with Maceo Distribution that has strengthened its presence and growth in that country.
"In contrast, in the U.S. market there is more competition with the products from Honduras, Nicaragua and Ecuador, although the quality of Costa Rican cassava is still superior," says Guerrero.
Guerrero says that "the company doesn't aim to be the cheapest, but the best in terms of quality." With a complaint rate of less than 5%, the firm makes sure that every batch meets the same high quality standards.
When it comes to sustainability, Tropifoods implements responsible agricultural practices, using organic products and constantly conducting tests to protect the soil's health. This approach not only ensures the quality of the cassava, but also complies with European regulations, such as the Green Deal.
Guerrero also says that "the pandemic has played a role in boosting cassava consumption, as more Europeans experimented with new recipes and products during the lockdown."
For more information:
Joshua Guerrero Medina
Tropifoods
Pital de San Carlos and Escazú Village Torre 2
Costa Rica
Tel.: +506 70133700
[email protected]
www.tropifoods.com