The Dominica Export Import Agency (DEXIA) has purchased and installed a state-of-the-art, industrial-grade multi-fruit extractor for processing and pulping of fruits for local juicing companies and for sale on the export markets.
Operations Manager of DEXIA Multi-Purpose Packhouse, Bristol Lawrence, told Dominica News Online (DNO) during an interview that the multi-fruit extractor which is housed at the Multi-Purpose Packhouse in Goodwill will faster process passionfruit in particular which is one of the leading export added value commodities shipping to Guadeloupe.
“So far we have shipped in excess of 1000 pails of passionfruit, each weighing 40 pounds-pails with seeds and without,” he said. “The ones with seeds are being sold at $265 and those without seeds are being sold for $300 per 40-pound pail.”
He continued, “It saves on labour cost and time because it will only take us about three minutes to pulp a pail of passionfruit [as] opposed to doing it by hand.”
According to Lawrence DEXIA has been working with the Ministry of Agriculture to engage farmers in planting passionfruit.
“We have formed five different clusters around the island…,” he noted. “We have provided the farmers with support in terms of wire and also contracting these farmers to produce for us”
He revealed that the passion fruits are purchased at $1.50 per pound, primarily for pulping, and “when we export we purchase it at a higher price.”
Furthermore, Lawrence is encouraging farmers to continue planting passionfruit.
He said DEXIA is also willing to purchase pink guavas from farmers since the regional market has been requesting it.
“We are willing to purchase it as well,” he stated.
Pink guava farmers are being asked to contact DEXIA at 275-5973 for more information.
Lawrence indicated that DEXIA is also looking to do business with Martinique, Barbados, and other territories once there is sufficient production.
“We have sold to Barbados and Antigua in the past, however, the main market is Guadeloupe,” he stated.
Below is short video of the processor in use.
Who is the sot that write that? State of the art? A used gel cochon pail or Harris paint pail collecting juice and u calling THAT state of the art?
Man, Dominicans dont know whether we coming or going. Anything and everything, majee or not is considered state of the art. Another meaningless word here in Dominica. And dominicans does want to get vex when you tell them about their thing. Like emotional little girls. We need to do better and get serious about industry and production. This machine is an indication of the state of our art, which is in a deplorable state.
More like state of the a** (donkey)
This will be good for Dominica. Next step, if proves to be cost effective, we should look into bottling the juices ourselves.
When are we getting the rest? the bottling machine? the bagging machine? etc. We need to start being FULLY equipped instead of always half a$$ing everything.
I made this suggestion in a report to DEXIA years ago, but it was turned down. The excuse being that DEXIA’s role is not in processing.
Furthermore, it need not stop at processing through to the finished product but extend to ways that the product itself be presented. For example, dashene can be marketed in many appealing and nutritious variants, including soft drinks. To that end, my report suggested setting up an experimental “kitchen” to explore the culinary potential of our crops. But that idea was likewise turned down by DEXIA’s management and board of directors.
But alas, creative thinking and doing is not welcomed in Dominica.
Well, consider this an opportunity for YOU to become an entrepreneur. You really do not want the State doing private sector business.
ITs an opportunity for everybody interested in agro processing. The issue is the state being mediocre in everything.
As soon a I read this nonsensical word ‘state-of-the-art’ I stop reading. It’s BS it’s nonsensical propaganda as usual. If all you, and with that I also mean DNO, were to travel to Spain, you could see a ‘ state-of-the-art’ fruit extractor. What we see in this picture is a dinky toy. Stop using these superlative words for something that is average at best and inferior at worst. But all you get this nonsense from your CM state-of-the-art airport, world class hospital, world beating tourism product. Stop taking BS!! Just look at the photos! Believe me, nothing in DA is state of the art or world beating. Sorry, the amount of money your CM siphoned of the CBI, that is truly world beating and absolute world class. My god!!!
Bobby,
That was the sentiment when I read this article as well. Everything seems to be state of the in Dominica.
Exactly, mediocrity is hyped up and promoted to state of the art on a daily basis here in Dominica. I’m sick and tired of it. Stop this nonsense! Just for once face facts. Be honest and give me one single example of world class in DA. …baring corruption, crime and hollow propaganda. Come one, let’s hear it!
Hmm…you sound full of self-hate.
YOU sound full of s..t. You are a Skerrit worshiper par excellence. Would you share the same home perhaps? I mean you are definitely not the sharpest tool in the box.
I fully agree. We like to just use jargon willy nilly because is popular and sounds good but forget that words actually have meanings. I fully agree with you. This piece of machinery is NOT a top tier extractor in 2022. However, it is an indication of the state of OUR art. left wanting. Non the less it is a positive move, but needs to be complimented by the other relevant pieces of machinery. For example a bottling machine to bottle the extracted juice. Id hate to think they are doing that by hand.
A step forward for Dominica, but by no means “State of the Art”.
In one form or another these machines have been around for decades, with hand-crank versions going back to the 19th century.
Having the operator standing on top of a stack of pallets, doesn’t help.