Lafinita is a producer and exporter of rambutan and mangosteen based in Guatemala. It owns several plantations in various parts of the country with a total acreage of 300 hectares for the production of rambutan and another 80 for mangosteen. Its plantations are all certified by GlobalGAP and it is also member of the Guatemalan Exporters Association (AGEXPORT).
"We export rambutan mainly to the United States, Italy and Germany and mangosteen only to Europe, as due to issues with protocols, the US market continues to be closed for this product," affirms Lucrecia González, marketing coordinator of Lafinita.
The firm's rambutan production has increased by 40%, which has sparked expansion plans to other European markets, such as France and England; South American, like Brazil or Colombia; as well as parts of the United States with a greater percentage of citizens of Asian descent, which are the largest consumers of these exotic fruits.
In matters of promotion, the company has launched the website www.buyrambutan.com this year to be able to supply fresh, quality produce to retailers. "We have also taken part at the North American fair PMA and at Agritrade 2013 and have also organised promotional activities in food festivals and with tasting events at Chinese communities," explains Lucrecia.
Lafinita produces rambutan from late April to October and mangosteen from July to October. The fruit meets all international quality standards in terms of flavour, colour and size and all shipments are made by air to offer the product in the most optimal conditions.
As for mangosteens, the company is currently studying the feasibility of a project involving processed products due to the fruit's many beneficial properties, according to several scientific studies. Lucrecia mentions that, "their crust alone contains around 40 antioxidants (xanthones) able to block free radicals and studies have been conducted which confirm that they are three times more powerful than vitamin E."
"What we wish is to make it accessible in the market by means of a fruit juice and do exactly the same with rambutans, as they have a very high content of vitamin C and is ideal for people with allergies to citrus," assures the marketing coordinator.
Lafinita also exports oriental vegetables through its commercial partner in Honduras, "Agrovalle", of which 128 containers have been shipped so far in 2013 after closing 2012 with a total of 310 containers. Just like with rambutans and mangosteens, the main clients for these products are Asian communities in the United States. This line of products includes Chinese, Hindu and Thai aubergine; Chinese and Hindu cundeamor, hairy cucumber, Chinese and Thai okra, calabash, chive flower and Chinese melon.
Contact:
LaFinita
Guatemala, C.A.
Lic. Lucrecia González
Tel: +502 7763-7203
@: [email protected]
www.lafinita.com
Guatemala, C.A.
Lic. Lucrecia González
Tel: +502 7763-7203
@: [email protected]
www.lafinita.com