A group of students from Siapana in Guajira, Colombia are producing a series of food products from cactus. Yes, cactus.
With the help of Rafael Márquez, the only cactus expert in Colombia, they have been able to produce candies, jam, wine, salads and even burgers.
These young wayuus (the tribe that dominates the Guajira desert) recently finished their high school studies. With the help of their ancestors who gave them all their knowledge to use the few things that nature gives them in abundance: sun, sand and cactus, they have been able to create a promising company. The company's brand name, Jemet, translates into the English word, 'delicious'.
Their business is growing up as cactus does: slow, but firm.
Cactus Food
Colombian Students Create Cactus Burgers and Wine
Trend Themes
1. Cactus-based Food Products - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating more sustainable and unique plant-based alternatives to traditional food products by utilizing cactus as an ingredient.
2. Indigenous Food Entrepreneurship - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Supporting indigenous communities in harnessing their traditional knowledge and resources to create innovative food products and establish sustainable businesses.
3. Sustainable Desert Agriculture - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Developing innovative agricultural practices to cultivate crops in arid and desert environments, such as cactus farming.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Exploring new food product concepts and alternative ingredients to cater to the growing demand for sustainable and plant-based options.
2. Indigenous Tourism - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporating indigenous food experiences and entrepreneurship into the tourism industry to create authentic and sustainable travel experiences.
3. Agriculture and Farming - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Implementing sustainable farming practices in arid regions to cultivate crops like cactus, contributing to food security and resource conservation.