She explains that "the taste of rambutan is similar to that of grapes, but in a different size and with a larger seed. However, the taste of mangosteen is very difficult to describe, as it has a very palatable and unique flavour."
According to the producer, both fruits, rambutan and mangosteen, have digestive properties thanks to the fibre in their pulp. "Rambutan has a high content of vitamin C and is recommended for people who cannot consume citrus," she explains. In turn, mangosteen is rich in potassium, which regulates the body's neuromuscular activities. This mineral is also involved in the transmission of nerve impulses and contains carbohydrates, which are a source of energy.
Rambutan plantations
Lafinita has been marketing fresh fruits internationally for over ten years and has its own plantations. "For more than five consecutive years, we have been certified by GlobalGAP," she affirms. "This allows us to guarantee the safety and quality of our products." The company has 288 hectares devoted to rambutan and 85 hectares to mangosteen distributed in different regions of Guatemala which have allowed it to expand its marketing window.
The season in Guatemala normally runs from June to October, although this depends also on the weather conditions, which can delay or anticipate the harvest by about 15 to 30 days." Lafinita expects an annual growth of 400 tonnes for its rambutan.
Mangosteen plantations
"Guatemalan rambutan and mangosteen are very competitive," affirms Mayaali Poz, even against countries such as Thailand, Australia and Mexico. She added that "Lafinita has the challenge of finding strategies to be able to supply our business partners with quality products with unique features, as this should allow us to retain our current markets and expand into new ones."
Lafinita produces rambutan and mangosteen for the Guatemalan domestic market, as well as for the United States, Central America and Europe, especially Italy, Germany and the Netherlands. "The volumes exported to Europe are not as high as we would like, but I think the market is also just starting to experiment with new fruits, while demand in the US is on the rise," concludes the producer.
More information:
Mayaali Poz
Lafinita
8 calle 13-30 zona 3, Quetzaltenango, Guatemala C.A.
T: (+502) 7763-7203
E: [email protected]
www.lafinita.com