17/01/2013
14 Jan 2013
Press release
Bolivia and CBI Salute UN International Year of the Quinoa
14 exporters of natural ingredients highlight quinoa at Biofach 2013 of which 4 currently supported
by CBI
Quinoa, the royal grain of the Andes, will be celebrated around the world in 2013. CBI will team up
with Cabolqui to bring 13 exporters of natural ingredients to Biofach 2013, 13 - 16 February in
Nürnberg, Germany. These companies export a variety of special ingredients and finished products
including quinoa, aloe vera
gel and juice, maca root and cocoa liquor -- but in 2013, the focus is on quinoa.
Initially pioneered in the healthfood market, quinoa -- with its slightly nutty flavour -- has
become a favourite of high-profile chefs. Gluten-free and nutritious, it is the only vegetable that
contains all 24 essential amino acids. Across Europe, quinoa is showing up on menus in taboulleh,
soups, salads and other creative dishes.
This 'quinoa revolution' has led to increased export earnings and significantly better incomes for
indigenous people farming in some of the poorest areas of the Andes. Quinoa has been transformed
from a traditional crop for local use to a major cash crop. Both acreage and prices have increased
substantially over the years. Most of the exported quinoa is certified organic and some is also
Fair Trade. This social and economic success prompted the UN declaration of the International Year
of the Quinoa, IYQ.
Seven of the exporters presented at the Bolivian Pavilion (Hall 4A, Stand 149) are renowned organic
quinoa producers. Four of the companies at the Bolivian Pavilion are currently participating in
CBI's intensive Export coaching Programme for Natural Ingredients. They have been carefully audited
in terms of quality, consistency and reliability. The companies have invested heavily to prepare
for success in Europe, adapting their organisations and products to the European market
requirements, thus reducing the risk for European buyers. All 14 companies are interested in
forming long-term partnerships.
Over the past 40 years, thousands of exporters have found their way to Europe through CBI’s (Centre
for the Promotion of Imports from developing countries) extensive programmes in export management,
quality, reliability and the requirements necessary to succeed in the European market place.
Cabolqui (Bolivian Chamber of Royal Quinoa and Organic Products Exporters) is a group of ten
leading quinoa companies in the export and the elaboration of finished products. At present, they
represent 85% of the nation’s quinoa grain export.
Representatives Exhibiting at the Bolivian Pavilion, Hall 4A, Stand 149: CBI Programme
Participants: Agronat, Naturalcos, Sindan, Sumar.
The other Participants: ANAPQUI, Andean, CITY, Coronilla, EBA, Irupana, NUT&NAT,
Quinoabol, SAITE, SIMSA.
For further information on the international year of quinoa:
http://www.rlc.fao.org/en/about-fao/iyq-2012/
About CBI?
CBI contributes to sustainable economic development in developing countries through the expansion
of exports from these countries. CBI is THE expert in export development and export promotion from
developing countries. For more information please visit our website www.cbi.eu.
Note to the editor:
For questions about the CBI or the companies featured in this announcement, kindly
contact: Freek Jan Koekoek, tel: +31 (0)88 60 24300, email: [email protected].
