Costa Rica, traditionally known for its pineapple production, has seen an increase in its cassava exports which has turned this fruit into one of the country's top 10 export products. This isn't just beneficial for producers, but is also strengthening the country's economy.
Evelyn Bonilla Segura, from the Export Department of B&C Exportadores, highlights the sustained growth of cassava and chayote, for which there is a stable demand in Europe and the United States. "We export around 15 mixed containers to each market, delivering cassava and chayote together with other products, such as malanga, eddoes and pumpkin," says Bonilla, highlighting the wide range of products that the company delivers in its weekly shipments to its international distributors.
These products are mainly targeted to the Latino community and other multicultural niches. While small, these communities show a steady preference for fresh and quality Costa Rican products. Bonilla says that this year they've seen a more positive market behavior, without the drastic summer drops recorded in previous years. "The price stability has been remarkable this year, providing security to both us and our clients," says Bonilla. Moreover, B&C Exportadores is not affected by seasonality, since the production remains stable throughout the year, adapting to production peaks without interruption.
Climate change has had a significant impact on agriculture in Costa Rica, especially in the Cartago area, where chayote is grown. "This year has been drier than usual. In fact, the rains have not yet started and this is taking a toll on the production," says Bonilla. Nevertheless, the company has implemented measures to counteract the impact of this. Such initiatives include investment in irrigation systems and the installation of "bee hotels" to facilitate the pollination process in its plantations. "We want the bees to be close to our plants so that the chayote can flourish in optimum conditions," she explains.
Packing chayote.
International logistics is also a major challenge. Bonilla says that while rates have dropped compared to the peaks reached during the pandemic, shipping lines are currently struggling with lack of space due to the early start of the fruit season in South America. "We are 100% dependent on maritime shipping, and the limited availability of containers is affecting our export capacity," she says. To mitigate these risks, B&C has implemented GPS devices in its containers, allowing them to track cargo and monitor temperatures, thus ensuring the quality and safety of its products during transit.
With a focus on expansion, B&C Exportadores has planned to increase its production by 2025, with investments in new land and a further mechanization of its processes, all focused on ensuring a continuous supply of cassava and chayote. "Costa Rica is recognized in the global market for the quality of its cassava and we want to maintain that competitive advantage," says Bonilla, who stresses the importance of international certifications such as GlobalGAP and SMETA, which guarantee a high quality production and responsible labor practices.
The contribution of B&C Exportadores is not only felt at an economic level, but also in the rural communities of Costa Rica. "Our facilities are located in areas where there are few job opportunities, and we work with entire families, from grandparents to children," says Bonilla. Moreover, the company backs local social projects, including aid to schools and improvements in basic infrastructure.
For more information:
Evelyn Bonilla
B&C Exportadores
Cartago, Costa Rica
Tel.: +506 2574 5151
Tel.: +506 8872 2788
[email protected]
www.bycexportadores.com