Complex residue in Peruvian quinoa affects exports

Few Peruvian quinoa exporters at Biofach Only three Peruvian quinoa exporters had booked a booth a the Biofach trade fair last month. This is a stark difference with the dominant presence of Peruvian quinoa in previous years, as the country is one of the two main suppliers of quinoa to global markets – the other … Read more

Viability of exporting retail-packed food products to Europe

Strong competition for shelf space in supermarkets

The search for added value Exporters from Asia, Latin-America and Africa have often asked my help in introducing their finished, retail-packed food product to the European market. They argue that manufacturers of the finished product earn a much higher margin than suppliers of raw materials. As a facilitator of trade into Europe, I would like … Read more

How to respond to COVID-19 in grains, pulses and oilseeds sector – study published by CBI

My client CBI just published this study on COVID-19 in grains, pulses and oilseeds, which I wrote. The short report contains 12 steps for companies to follow in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It distinguishes between the immediate response and adapting to ‘the new normal’. I hope it comes in time and proves useful. Let … Read more

European quinoa imports grow 3%, price is increasing

European quinoa imports grew 3% in the year ending October 2018, reaching 25677 tons (Figure 1). In the previous year, imports only grew 1%. Peru and Bolivia still dominate European Union quinoa imports, while Ecuador and, recently, Turkey also hold small market shares. These statistics don’t include Europe’s domestic production of several thousand tons. Figure … Read more

Dutch Demeter quinoa ready for harvesting

Quinoa of organic farm “de Lingehof” in the east of the Netherlands is ready for harvesting. At the 150 ha. arable farm, 3 ha. has been dedicated to quinoa, which farmer Petra Derkzen still considers an experimental crop. “At this second experience of growing quinoa on our farm, we are hoping for a yield of … Read more

New rules for placing novel foods on the European market

As of 1 January 2018, the new Regulation (EU) 2015/2283 on novel foods (the new Regulation) is applicable. It repeals and replaces Regulation (EC) No 258/97 and Regulation (EC) No 1852/2001 which were in force until 31 December 2017. According to the new rules, all products previously approved are now included in a ‘Union List’ … Read more

Late rains saved the quinoa crop in Bolivia

Despite the severe drought from August to December last year, the quinoa crop appears to be much larger than anticipated. Recent statements from the  Centro Internacional de la Quinoa (CIQ) suggest that production may be 82,500 tons. The remarkable recovery of the quinoa crop is attributed to late rains falling from December onwards in many areas. … Read more

The effect of changing quinoa prices in Bolivia: perspectives from consumers and farmers

By Jenneke van Vliet* and Freek Jan Koekoek In the first decade of the 21st century the millennial Andean food crop quinoa became known to the world as ‘superfood’: a gluten-free pseudo-cereal that contains all the essential amino-acids for human beings and a high content of proteins and minerals. As a consequence, we witnessed an … Read more

Coconut sugar has great untapped potential

Coconut palm sugar, or palm blossom sugar, is gradually being discovered in western markets as a natural sweetener with some surprising benefits for companies and consumers. The product has a distinct taste and rich flavour, unlike any other natural sweetener. Compared to natural cane sugar, the sweetness is somewhat less pronounced and the flavour is … Read more