Andean fruits such as gulupa, grown at altitudes above 2,500 meters, have gone from being an exotic ornament to a functional food in demand in the United States and Europe.
"We want the market to understand that this isn't an exotic product, but a superfood with a high content of antioxidants and carotenoids with real health benefits, and great vitamin A content," says Dennis Brito Madrid, CEO of Golden Sweet Spirit.
The Ecuadorian company has worked for more than 25 years in the production and export of the Andean fruit. Currently, its main destinations are the United States, Canada, Central America, and Europe, although it now seeks to strengthen its presence in the latter.
In addition to fresh fruit, it has developed a line of processed products to diversify its range and add value to its production, including dehydrated fruit, a 100% natural product intended for the healthy snack industry; natural juices made without preservatives, aimed at markets with a demand for functional and healthy products; processed fruit for biscuits, cereals and energy mixes (trail mix), and biodegradable trays made from reused fruit leaves.
Golden Sweet Spirit closed last year with 400 tons exported and plans to reach 1,000 tons between 2025 and 2026, consolidating its position in the European market. In the United States, the company has been growing since 2019, when it became the first Ecuadorian firm to export uchuva to the country.
"In terms of prices, Brito says that the product is marketed for between 5 and 6 dollars per kilo, depending on the destination and the season. Prices tend to drop in August and September due to lower demand, but in months such as February, March, and April they reach high peaks, especially during certain festivities," he says. To minimize fluctuations, they work with fixed supply programs for supermarkets, guaranteeing quality and availability throughout the year.
"We have received awards such as the GAP Award in Abu Dhabi and the Top Science Award from BASF," says Brito. Also, through a plant breeding system, they identify the plants with the highest yields and resistance to diseases and use them as mother plants for reproduction.
The company has also earned a carbon neutrality certification by working on reducing emissions and ensuring an efficient use of water resources. It has also implemented NRP (Nutrient and Risk Prediction), a system that predicts pests and diseases, optimizes input use, reduces costs, and minimizes environmental impact.
However, challenges remain, especially in terms of logistics. "When it comes to air transport, Colombia has an advantage because of its export volume, which gives it access to more competitive rates. Besides, the opening of the port of Chancay in Peru represents an opportunity for the entire region, but also a challenge for Ecuador in terms of competitiveness," he says.
For more information:
Dennis Brito Madrid
Golden Sweet Spirit
Tel.: +593 99 142 3343
dbrito@golden.ec
www.golden.ec