Global Agriculture Update: Dehydrated Fruits Bringing in Massive Profits

Article by: Hari Yellina

Due to local and regional flare-ups of Covid-19, as well as delays and high pricing for international freight, fresh produce market disturbances continue to exist globally. As a result, fresh produce companies who rely on international shipping schedules and rates have started to invest in systems and processing units that will allow them to sell their products in alternative forms to different export markets in Europe and the United States. One of these companies is Mangifera from Sri Lanka. Mango growers and exporters in Sri Lanka have lately engaged in AIM Heat Pump condensation technology drying facilities.

“We are a private limited corporation and Sri Lanka’s leading mango plantation.” For the worldwide market, we plant mango. Dubai, Germany, and the Maldives are among our export destinations. We have invested in advanced post-harvest processes and hold GAP certifications for our fresh mangoes.” The company has earned multiple accolades in Sri Lanka, including one from the national Chamber of Commerce, for its efforts to develop the village and deliver high-quality products to the local market as a private limited company. Its effort improves the lives of the villagers.

“Dehydrated fruits to the global market is our new enterprise. We intend to promote our products in the United States, Europe, and Dubai.” The company also produces dehydrated pineapple and jack fruits in addition to dehydrated mangoes, bananas, and papaya. The TGC mango variety is produced by the firm. Sri Lankans are the originators of this type. It’s accessible all year. The fruit is delicious, pulpable, and keeps well in storage.

“Our current fresh mango business is being hampered by high freight costs and limited transportation choices. This is why we purchased dried and dehydrated fruits, as well as similar items. The hazards are lower, and the benefits are greater. AIM provided heap pump dryer technology to our company. Under Covid-19, we began expanding our business. We ordered the first machines from AIM in the end of 2020.” “We make better-looking, vibrant dried fruits with improved nutritional characteristics thanks to AIM’s heat pump technology.” The machines are completely self-contained. Previously, we utilised ordinary dryers, which were noisy and produced unappealing results. Nutrition and natural colour are two critical aspects of the finished product.”

“The most essential aspect is that we can now keep items for longer periods of time.” Approximately 30% of produce is discarded after harvest. We can reduce waste and boost profitability and returns by using dehydration procedures. Our current daily range is 250kg. We recently placed a second order for two machines to expand our daily capacity from 500 kg to 750 kg.” AIM’s heat pump drying technology also saves up to 75% on electricity when compared to typical drying machines,” says the company. Second, it benefits the quality of dried goods. The end goods are of higher quality since we can manage the temperature and humidity. The form is influenced by humidity. At +-80 degrees, the temperature is lower than in standard drying machines, allowing the nutritious qualities to last longer. Our mangoes are dried at 45-55 degrees, which is a low temperature that helps to preserve nutrition, colour, and form. The United States, Europe, and Dubai are our primary markets.