Peru: control over quality through strong grower networks

During a recent visit to Peru, Product Manager Jessica de Freitas and Sourcing & Procurement Director Dennis de Wit visited long-standing partners Pronatur and Jalhuca. Two different companies, with one clear common factor: strong organisation across the supply chain.

Collaboration as basis for supply

Both growers work with networks of smallholder farmers. This requires clear coordination, shared standards and close support. As a result, variation between growers becomes manageable, enabling supply to the European market at scale.

Pronatur: building resilient cultivation

Pronatur works according to organic and regenerative principles, with a focus on soil health and biodiversity. By combining crops intelligently and actively improving soil health, this creates a system that is more resilient to climate fluctuations. For Eosta, this results in a stable supply of mangoes, pomegranates, avocados and limes.

How close the collaboration is in practice became clear in the field. Together with founder Jan Bernard, Jessica and Dennis explored the plots by mountain bike — not even a heavy downpour stopped them. First-hand insight, right in the heart of production.

Jalhuca: managing quality in the field

Jalhuca has been a long-standing partner for avocados and focuses strongly on safeguarding quality during cultivation. Avocados are protected from factors such as sun exposure, helping to reduce losses and ensure more consistent product quality. Bio Suisse-certified, with year-round supply.

Stability in a less predictable market

Climate fluctuations make cultivation less predictable. In this context, the organisation of the supply chain becomes crucial: strong grower networks, solid support and clear quality control ensure greater stability in supply and quality.