In this latest edition of HPP Innovation Week, we had the opportunity to discuss the situation in Latin America of avocados and derived products such as guacamole, with two major companies in the sector, the Peruvian Agroempaques and the Colombian Juancamole.
In addition, we conducted a session on the benefits that HPP technology can bring to avocado products.
How do we at Hiperbaric see the avocado sector in Latin America?
The avocado is one of the most consumed products throughout Latin America and in recent years its consumption has only increased. It is estimated that the global value of the avocado market will reach more than US$22 billion in 2024 and up to more than US$35 billion in 2029, with an annual growth of more than 9%.
What are the drivers of this trend?
Firstly, the extraordinary nutritional properties of avocado, which is considered a super food. Secondly, the versatility it has, since there is a great variety of products that can be elaborated thanks to the avocado, from a tray of halves to more elaborated products such as guacamole or avocado paste. Finally, in addition to the areas where avocados have typically been consumed, such as the USA, Europe and Latin America, new horizons are opening up in the Asian market, thanks to the increase in consumption in countries such as China, Japan, Korea and India.
What are the benefits of HPP technology?
High cold pressure brings a series of benefits to avocado products, thanks to which they are achieving this great growth:
- Control of pathogenic microorganisms
- Maintain quality
- Minimally processed product
- Natural, no preservatives
- Brand protection against product recalls or sanitary problems
- New market opportunities, thanks to shelf life extension and microorganism control
The following are the main excerpts from the interview of Maria Barreal, Hiperbaric’s Latin American sales manager, with the founders of the companies Juancamole, Juan David Castaño and Juan Fernando Hoyos; and with the general manager of Agroempaques, José Enrique Carranza, users of HPP technology with Hiperbaric equipment.
What is the main obstacle encountered by exporters and how does HPP help?
Juancamole: In Colombia we have 2 main problems: logistics and the microbiological issue. Tropical conditions, with humidity and heat, make a perfect climate for the proliferation of microorganisms in avocados, especially fungi, yeasts… all this makes it difficult to export because of all the sanitary restrictions, and the solution is the HPP.
In addition to this we also find the trend towards healthy products. The world is asking for products without preservatives or chemical additives. This is difficult to achieve without a HPP.
Agroempaques: We have a big challenge with customers coming from Asia and Europe mainly, who have very strict standards in relation to food quality and safety and shelf life extension. For us, having a Hiperbaric machine gives us a competitive advantage, as well as safety and peace of mind.
Are HPP benefits communicated to customers?
Agroempaques: Yes, we are working on that too. Through the social media and we also try to bring them to the plant so that they can see it first hand and be convinced. It is about educating the consumer so that they know what it is all about and what the process is.
Juancamole: It definitely generates more confidence in the company. We promote it by taking many customers to the plant, telling them about it in our communications and we want to do a bigger campaign here in Latin America.
What do you value most about Hiperbaric as a supplier?
Agroempaques: In our case, we really appreciate Hiperbaric’s quick response. The leadership and commitment they have. They are our strategic allies. Also the reliability of the equipment and the help in communication and guidance to develop the products.
Juancamole: We also appreciate the support they offer us. Transparency and effectiveness. The team and the values are in line with our way of thinking.
If you want to know more about HPP solutions for avocados or watch the complete session with Juancamole and Agroempaques, we leave here the two sessions of the HPP Innovation Week 2024, in which we discussed these topics related to avocados.
Status of avocado products in Latam: Dialogue between Juancamole and Agroempaques
