A supply chain for hot-fill production of tropical nectars and juices The applicant is Passina Products B.V., a large producer and distributor of fruit pulps, and the local partner is Carifruits N.V., the largest producer of fresh juices in Suriname. They will set up a joint venture. The project is located next to the new premises in Paramaribo that is planned to be built and finalised towards the end of 2011.The project partners have identified commercial opportunities in new markets in Suriname and abroad. However, Carifruits is restricted by its technology that only permits them to produce juices and syrups with maximum three months conservation time and that need to be kept cool. The proposed hot-fill technology would enable them to gain access to export markets and to gain a market share in local shops with limited (or without) cold storage capacity.The innovative aspect for Suriname is the application of the hot-fill technology (pasteurising) that will enable Carifruits to innovate their juices and syrups and to access new (export) markets. Hot-fill fruit juices and syrups can be preserved for one year without cooling. These innovations will result in production and marketing of fruit juices with low (5%) fruit content (so-called belly wash) that are presently 100% imported in Suriname, in exporting the juices (nectar and fruit drinks with higher fruit content known as Coropina) in which Carifruits is market leader in Suriname, and in developing low calorie syrups with 50% sugar contents (using Stevia). An outgrowers scheme will be set up for the cultivation of passion fruit and acerola.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The activities of the joint venture will be implemented in accordance with HACCP and GMP standards. Health and safety issues will be addressed through trainings on operational H&S and HIV/AIDS awareness. Forced labour and child labour are condemned.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe project will create employment for 38 people, twenty basic-level and 18 medium-/high-level. Two years after the project period twenty more people will be employed, 16 basic-level and four medium-/high-level. The lowest salary, for unskilled workers, will be twice the level of the estimated minimum wage. Labour conditions will include a provision for healthcare and social insurance, payment of overtime and bonus. Transport and lunches are also part of the package offered to the employees.•	Innovation/Transfer of knowledgeThe part of knowledge that is new to Suriname relates to the hot-fill technology and heat-resistant PET bottle production, which are new for the country. Both are a part of the total production line.•	Chain effectsA number of 120 outgrowers will be contracted to produce fresh fruits for the local partner, representing about 20% of the required inputs. The majority of outgrowers are small farmers that own 2 ha to 3 ha of land. They will be supported in various ways: provision of seedlings, expertise and knowledge transfer, and finance to start up or expand their activities. They will buy guaranteed quantities from the outgrowers. Their net income may potentially increase with € 10,000 annually. In addition, a number of roughly 50 jobs will be created as a result of the need for distribution and sales services (a number of 15 sub-contractors are foreseen).•	EnvironmentThe project will not pose a risk for the environment as it will operate according to HACCP and GMP practices. The post water treatment includes filtering and purifying of processed water. In addition, a scheme will be set up for collection and recycling of used PET bottles based on voluntary disposal of bottles.•	Position of womenIt is expected that at least twenty out of 38 employees will be female, including 5 high- and 15 medium-level jobs. To set up a supply chain with 120 outgrowers for the hot-fill production of fruit nectars and juices as new products with prolonged conservation times, to enable the partners to gain access to new markets (% of total volume):- In Suriname: belly wash ma