High pressure processing of tropical fruit for export Note: This project has been cancelled, because RVO has no confidence that it will be successfully completed in the short term.Fresh fruit, that is not sold fresh, can be processed into fruit preparations and fruit juice concentrates. Introducing new clearing technology and high pressure processing (HPP), the project will focuses on the production of juices and juice concentrates from tropical fruits produced by outgrowers in Guatemala. HPP technology is new to Guatemala and allows to process 100% pure fruit with no added ingredients. HPP technology respects the sensorial and nutritional properties of food, because of the absence of heat treatment, and maintains its original freshness through the shelf life. In the EU despite the fragile consumer spending environment, juice consumption remains in tune with the ongoing consumer health and wellness trend. In the EU there is an increasing demand for quality over quantity, and customers are prepared to pay for the benefits of premium juices. The applicant Golden Fruits GmbH has been searching for a suitable supplier for processed tropical fruit products from Latin America. However, none of the existing companies can supply them with quality products with a long shelf life. The local partner Industrias Odi, S.A. supplies the Guatemalan and Central American market with processed food products. The project partners intend to establish a joint venture in Guatemala and invest in HPP factory for the production of fruit juices and concentrates for export. The factory will be supplied by a group of 100 small farmers that will obtain Global GAP certification. The factory will be HACCP, ISO 9001:2008 and GFSI certified. The factory will create 75 new full time jobs, of which 52 for women and 5 positions for women at medium-/high-level positions.Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)The company will pay its lowest-earning employee at least 72% more than the minimum wage. All employees will be hired on full-time basis. The factory will be HACCP, ISO 9001:2008 and GFSI certified. The partners will establish a contract grower programme with 100 farmers. These farmers will receive fair prices for their products and will be trained in good manufacturing practices and GlobalGAP. The contract with outgrowers includes conditions for delivery, use fertilisers and machinery, and collection system. The average income per farmer, that the joint venture will create is about USD 800 to USD 900 per month.Impact•	Employment and working conditionsThe company will pay its lowest-earning employee at least 72% more than the minimum wage. All employees will be hired on a full-time basis. The factory will be HACCP, ISO 9001:2008 and GFSI certified.•	Innovation / Transfer of knowledgeThe project will introduce a new food processing technology to Guatemala. The new technology High Pressure Processing (HPP) enables the production of as good as fresh tropical fruit concentrates and purees with a long shelf life. HPP is a method of processing where food is subjected to extreme pressures without compromising quality, or causing changes in nutrition, colour or texture. The project will help to modernise the value chain for tropical fruit products in Guatemala.•	Chain effectsImpact on local suppliersAll raw materials (tropical fruits) will be produced by a group of 100 farmers. The partners will establish a contract grower programme with 100 farmers. These farmers will receive fair prices for their products and will be trained in good manufacturing practices and GlobalGAP. The contract includes delivery conditions, fertilisers and machinery, and collection system. The average income per farmer that the joint venture will create is about USD 800 to USD 900 per month.Impact on local customers/consumersNo direct contribution, all production is for export.•	Impact on the sectorThe partners will set up a partnership with the University del Valle and allocate an internship place for students. In cooperation with Agexport the partners will define two projects to trial the HPP technology with other food products than fruit.•	Position of womenFifty-six of the 75 jobs will be for female employees, and five of the eleven management (medium/high) positions will be filled by women. To establish a high pressure processing factory for the production of fruit juices and concentrates for export.