Maens Fruits, a Colombian family owned business that boasts over 15 years of knowledge of the production of fruits and processing, is now ready to take an entrance into an international market. Specialized on the production of the gulupa (Passiflora Edulis) Maens Fruits is preparing to begin exporting after years of enhancing the cultivation process and certification procedures.

With its headquarters located in Pasca situated in Pasca, in the Cundinamarca department of Cundinamarca, Maens Fruits has worked hard to become an established producer of the gulupa. There are 50,000 trees on 45 hectares, spread over many plots of land, the company is now at a level of production which allows them to provide weekly containers of the fruit. But, the company’s director Maria Camila Vanegas Velasco points at the fact that logistical expenses and the initial investment are substantial. “We are able to create one container, but there is a problem with the logistics cost,” she says, saying that they will initially start by delivering air cargo before moving on to fully-loaded containers.

The quality is crucial in Maens Fruits. Maens Fruits have been certified by organizations like GlobalG.A.P. in addition to GRASP (not yet the company yet) They also comply with the requirements of the ICA in Colombia. They are certified to ensure the crops they grow are cultivated using environmentally sustainable and responsible methods, which is essential to the European market that is their principal export goal.

The gulupa, which is a tropical fruit with a distinct flavor, has experienced a significant increase in demand in recent times, not just in Colombia as well as internationally. While it’s an infrequent product on international markets but it is now gaining market share due to its flexibility and health benefits. According to Vanegas “gulupa has been gradually turning into an important export item for Colombia it was famous for its Hass avocados and Uguva.”

One of the biggest problems facing Maens Fruits is the fluctuating weather conditions, which has led to changes in production cycle. “We typically have four to five highs per year, however, due to the changing climate the company has not experienced any production interruptions,” says Vanegas. In spite of these difficulties The company has remained determined to expand and anticipates that the exports of gulupa will increase dramatically in the near future.

Maens Fruits is also strongly invested in the local community particularly women. “We have a great relationship with mothers who lead of their families, and we provide them with work at the farms,” Vanegas says. Vanegas in announcing its positive effects the company has had on the local economic development.

For further information, click here.

Maens Fruits

Pasca, Colombia

Maria Camila Vanegas Velasco

Tel. : +57 3125435560 / +57 3045781532

[email protected]

www.maensfruits.com