One of the biggest challenges in the agricultural industry is food waste, particularly of fruits that do not meet visual standards. However, this waste can be a source of innovation. A company from the Dominican Republic discovered a culinary alternative to produce a healthy product and reduce food waste. Avocado oil, produced naturally using a process that preserves all of the avocado's beneficial properties, emerges as an option that brings value to producers and consumers.
"Avocana Oil is the first avocado oil produced in the Dominican Republic. We use avocados that would otherwise be discarded due to their appearance. We saw an opportunity to create a valuable product from the fruit that was rejected," stated Carol Soto, the company's representative. She also highlighted that avocado producers have large economic losses because of the discarded fruit for not meeting visual standards. "This oil is produced naturally, without altering the fruit's pulp, through a low-temperature process that preserves all the beneficial properties of the avocado."
This vegetable oil has culinary properties and stands out for its health benefits. "Our avocado oil can be used for frying and baking without wearing out, which makes it one of the few vegetable oils capable of providing this usefulness in the kitchen," she said, underlining the product's versatility.
"Unlike other refined oils, the natural qualities of Avocana oil remain intact and this oil is ideal for people with conditions such as diabetes. It is also reusable 18 to 25 times, as long as proper hygienic conditions are maintained," she stated.
One of the biggest obstacles that the company faces is changing the public's perception regarding the use of avocado oil, as many associate it only with salads. "We are working to educate consumers so that they understand that our oil can be used for frying or any other preparation without losing its healthy properties," Carol said.
The company started a pilot test to create awareness of its product distributing more than 25,000 bottles of its oil, mainly in the Dominican Republic, one of the main avocado producers in the world. "Our local production in the Dominican Republic guarantees we have a constant supply of raw material to increase production volumes," Carol stressed.
As the company seeks to introduce its product to international markets, it also faces the challenge of making consumers believe in the potential of the Dominican Republic's avocado oil.
"It's an all-natural product, with great health benefits, that has the potential to change the way we cook and consume oils," Carol stated.
For more information:
Carol Soto
Avocana Oil
Tel: +1 849 507 4088
Email: carol.soto@avocanaoil.com
www.avocanaoil.com