Amazon Andes: Peruvian Biodiversity At Your Fingertips
DeliveryRank chews the cud with International Trade Director of Amazon Andes, John Echenique: Amazon Andes specializes in manufacturing, distributing, and exporting functional superfoods, such as Maca, Cacao, Aguaje, and more, and they are truly passionate about their work. They prioritize using the purest ingredients sourced from Peru's biodiversity while caring for the environment and social aspects of their operations.
What are some of the unique characteristics and benefits of the native organic products you export from the Peruvian biodiversity?
We are a company with a rich history of 15 years in the market, dedicated to bringing the highest quality products not only to the Peruvian market but to customers across the globe. What sets us apart is our deep care for consumers and the entire value chain behind our products. We have three core pillars that define our approach.
Firstly, sustainability is crucial to us. We ensure the long-term availability of our products by implementing sustainable production procedures. From sourcing to manufacturing, we prioritize responsible practices.
Another pillar is fair trade. It's not just about getting a certification; it's intrinsic to who we are. We believe in paying fair prices to farmers, working directly with them, and honoring our commitments. This principle extends to our employees as well, ensuring timely payment and excellent working conditions.
Lastly, we prioritize the health of our consumers. We go the extra mile to guarantee quality by conducting thorough analysis in both our in-house labs and third-party facilities. Our products meet all international standards, including parameters for heavy metals, pesticides, among others. Our dedication to presentations, high quality, and added value truly sets us apart from other companies in the industry.
Could you share some insights into your research and development process for creating products with pure and powerful ingredients from Peru?
Our product development team comprises highly qualified individuals with expertise in functional and organic products, as well as product formulation, specifically focused on superfoods. We are constantly staying updated on the latest trends and consumer demands for new formulas and superfoods.
As you may have noticed on our website, we offer a range of different formulations catering to various needs. It is important to note that we do not make claims about curing diseases, as it is not ethically correct. However, natural products and superfoods have a long-standing traditional knowledge of their benefits, and many people choose to consume them for their potential advantages.
Our dedicated product development team conducts extensive research and experimentation in our labs to create the ideal product mix. We have formulations for various purposes, such as sexual enhancement, female health utilizing ingredients like red Maca and Aguaje, formulas for digestive health, immune system, and even specialized formulas for children's well-being. Each formula is a carefully crafted blend of different foods that synergistically work towards achieving the desired goals, ensuring we deliver excellent products to our customers.
How do you ensure the environmental sustainability and social responsibility in the collection and farming of your products in the Andean-Amazonian area?
We prioritize regular audits and inspections of our practices to ensure that our sustainable procedures are being implemented effectively across different aspects of our operations. For example, when it comes to sourcing specific ingredients such as Aguaje and other wild-harvested plants. We follow methods that involve collecting them only when they naturally fall from the trees, thereby minimizing any negative impact on the environment. These audits play a crucial role in verifying that our established procedures are being adhered to diligently.
Additionally, our commitment to sustainability extends to our processing methods. We meticulously document and track our carbon dioxide (CO2) capture initiatives in an annual report. This report, released at the end of each year, provides comprehensive information about our CO2 capture efforts, social impact initiatives, and contributions to reforestation projects. We have partnered with a reputable organization to which we make a donation for every sale we make that plants a tree for every sale we make, in order to support their reforestation endeavors.
There is a farming zone of Dragon’s Blood which represents a vital CO2 capture zone known as “Datem del Marañon” in the Peruvian amazon. This area is widely recognized as one of the most crucial zones globally, and preserving it is of utmost importance. The potential consequences of its destruction, such as an instant rise in worldwide temperatures, highlight the critical need for us to continue implementing and upholding sustainable production practices. By doing so, we actively contribute to the preservation of this significant CO2 capture zone, ensuring its availability for future generations and the overall well-being of our planet.
What are the major challenges you face in exporting natural products and functional foods, and how do you overcome them?
One of the significant challenges we have faced in the superfood industry revolves around restrictions related to sanitary registries in countries of destination and phytosanitary certificates. The National Agrarian Health Service of Peru maintains a list of products that require phytosanitary inspections in order to pass customs clearance at certain countries of destination, meaning that some countries may require it and some others do not.
Phytosanitary inspection (prior to export) is needed for all raw materials that have not undergone any processing. Therefore, if the product is in the form of a powder, capsule, or has undergone any processing, it shall not require the certificate (which is the doc that is issued after the inspection). However, there are countries that still require it, but still do not have a specific regulation which states that the imported product needs it. Some countries in which this has happened are Morocco, Romania, among others.
Overcoming these challenges necessitates meticulous documentation and adherence to international laws and food regulations. Thankfully, our team possesses extensive expertise in this domain, ensuring that we comply with the regulations of all our export destinations, which currently span over 41 countries.
Navigating these regulations and ensuring compliance is a vital part of our job. Our dedicated team stays well-informed about the specific requirements and regulations for each destination. We prioritize meeting all necessary standards and certifications, guaranteeing that our products reach customers without any issues. Ultimately, our goal is to ensure customer satisfaction while maintaining strict adherence to international food regulations.
What other services do you offer your clients?
We proudly offer both bulk ingredients and finished products to our customers. Our range of final products encompasses three distinct brands. The main brand is AMAZON ANDES, which features a diverse array of superfoods in capsules and powders. We also have ENERGY GREEN, specifically tailored for gym-goers and fitness enthusiasts. Lastly, we have ALMA, which means "soul" in Spanish, offering a selection of natural cosmetic oils. These three brands are distributed across more than twenty countries.
In addition to our own brands, we provide a private label service for capsules and powder to numerous companies worldwide. These companies can partner with us to develop their own branded products using our high-quality ingredients and formulations. Our private label service has gained popularity, with clients selling their products through various channels such as Amazon.com, online platforms, and retail stores.
We take pride in delivering exceptional products under our own brands while also offering sustainability, health and the best added value products based on our rich biodiversity. Our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction extends to all aspects of our operations, ensuring that our products meet the highest standards and cater to diverse market needs.
If you would like to find out more about Amazon Andes, visit https://www.amazon-andes.com/