The Growing Industry of Cape Gooseberry in Colombia

Cape Gooseberry

Colombia

Published May 20, 2022

The Colombian cape gooseberry export value has increased by 16%, from USD 32.68M in 2020 to USD 37.83M in 2021. The Colombian government has been invested in the growth of the industry and the positioning of the fruit in the international market due to its economic and social impact on the country.

Colombian cape gooseberry has increased its economic and social impact in the country due to its increased popularity in the international market. Its delicious flavor, antioxidant properties, and nutritional composition have made it a sought-after product globally. According to the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, 2021 recorded a record high export value for Colombian cape gooseberries, rising from USD 32.68M in 2020 to USD 37.83M in 2021, representing a 16% increase. In terms of value, the increase was only 7% going from 7,363 tons in 2020 to 7,872 tons in 2021. The main producing regions in Colombia are Cundinamarca, Boyaca, Antioquia and Nariño.

Source: Colombian Ministry of Agriculture

The growth in the cape gooseberry market has positively impacted the Colombian economy and the socio-economic aspect. The expansion of the cape gooseberry industry has created employment opportunities since 45% of the production cost is for labor.

The government is involved in the progress of the cape gooseberry industry. The Colombian Agricultural Institute, ICA, conducts inspections on farms and shipping facilities to ensure superior fruit quality. The APHIS phytosanitary authority, the Gooseberry Exporters Committee - ANALDEX, the Colombian Ministry of Agriculture, ICA, and the government agency Procolombia has worked together to enable three seaports to carry out cape gooseberry exports: Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta. The opening of these three new ports has facilitated shipping logistics and routes. Colombia has approximately 36 companies that export cape gooseberries.

The top export destination for Colombian cape gooseberries is the United States. In 2021, cape gooseberry exports to the United States reached USD 4.91M, representing a 24% growth from 2020. Other export markets for Colombian cape gooseberries are Saudi Arabia, Canada, the European Union, Russia, Brazil, Chile, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom. Some competitors for Colombian cape gooseberries are Canada, Thailand, and Peru. These markets were the top export markets for cape gooseberry in 2020.