Reinhard Schedlbauer, founder and general manager of AgroAndino Peru, has led a transformation process that has allowed his company to become a prominent producer and exporter of organic cape gooseberry. Founded in the Cajamarca region, the company has evolved from an initial focus on dehydrated fruits to becoming an exporter of fresh cape gooseberries, opening markets in Europe, and with sights set on entering the United States by 2025.
AgroAndino has been a pioneer in the cultivation of cape gooseberry in Peru and the implementation of sustainable practices, with a strong commitment to organic and regenerative agriculture. Schedlbauer says that the company has located growing areas with permanent access to water, which has allowed it to extend the cape gooseberry season and keep the production going all year round. This is a significant development, given that the harvest in the Peruvian Andes was traditionally limited to the dry season, which goes from April to August. Thanks to these innovations, the company aims for its cape gooseberry production to reach 520 tons by 2025, and has the goal of reaching between 1,200 and 1,500 tons in the coming years.
AgroAndino's main market is currently Germany, where organic cape gooseberries have found a niche among consumers who value sustainable products.
The company is selling the product in FSC-certified cardboard baskets, which reinforces its commitment to sustainability.
Moreover, the company has managed to certify almost 200 small producers under the GlobalG.A.P. standard, which ensures that their agricultural practices meet the highest international standards. This certification has been a crucial step in boosting the competitiveness of Peruvian cape gooseberries in the international market, where the product faces strong competition from Colombia; a country that dominates the scene, but with a mostly conventional production.
AgroAndino also faces logistical challenges, especially in the mountainous region of Cajamarca, where infrastructure is still under development; however, the company has managed to overcome these barriers and is currently exporting its product through the port of Paita, with the Netherlands as final destination.
Social impact and future prospects
Beyond its commercial success, AgroAndino has also had a positive impact on local communities. With 115 hectares in production and 350 producer families involved, the company has provided employment to 115 people in the province of San Pablo in Cajamarca. "We are changing lives," says Schedlbauer, who stresses that the development of organic agriculture and the implementation of regenerative practices are not only improving product quality, but also contributing to environmental sustainability and the well-being of rural communities.
With the opening of the US market in sight, AgroAndino is getting ready to consolidate its position as a leader in the export of organic cape gooseberries. "We hope to start exporting to the U.S. from 2025 onwards," says Schedlbauer, who is confident that quality and sustainability will continue to be the keys to his company's success in the international market.
For more information:
AgroAndino Perú
Jr. Julián Cruzado Nro.1, San Pablo
Cajamarca - Peru
Reinhard Schedlbauer
Tel.: +51 966 654 266
[email protected]
www.agroandino-peru.com