food Marketing - Technology 2/2023

Ingredients
Cultivating a diversity of varieties
For cultivation, “Uchu” works with
about 600 small farmers in Ecuador
and also in Peru. The company itself
has no cultivated land of its own. The
model involves close cooperation with
local growers. They are part of the chili
network with long-term contracts. In
addition to special seeds, the farmers
receive ongoing training and technical
support to further develop quality and
yields - and thus also to secure and
improve their livelihoods.
Engagement of the Import Promotion Desk (IPD) in Ecuador.
The IPD has been active in Ecuador since 2018 and is primarily
involved in the rural and structurally weak regions of Ecuador.
Ecuador's natural wealth holds great potential for the export industry.
For example, pineapples, passion fruits, pitahayas, passion fruit,
mangos, physalis, granadillas are grown in Ecuador. They are offered
both as fresh fruit and in processed form, and the demand for tropical
and subtropical fruits is high. The portfolio of natural ingredients also
includes grains such as amaranth, quinoa and chia, which have found
their way into European cuisine.
By cultivating in different regions,
the company ensures year-round
production. In addition, differences
in climate and soil conditions benefit
varietal diversity and high quality: the
“Escabeche” chili, for example, thrives
well in the sandy soils of northern
Peru, while the “Charapita” pod
“prefers” the moist clay soils of the
Amazon basin.
fmt
The goal is to work with small and medium-sized enterprises to
harness the country's natural potential, as well as to open up Europe
as a new sales market and win partners for sustainable business
relationships. The IPD is supported by the German Federal Ministry for
Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
food Marketing & Technology • April 2023
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Key No. 102979