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Introduction
Callaloo is a leafy succulent plant that is consumed as a vegetable. It is planted year round in all parishes. It is considered a winter crop by most exporters, due to the fact that demand for this vegetable is highest during the winter season.
Callaloo is a perennial plant therefore can be grown year round.
Why invest in CALLALOO?
Production issues
Callaloo is grown in all parishes but the ideal parishes are St. Catherine- Bushy Park, Nightingale Grove, Linstead, Treadways, Ewarton, and Lakes Pen; St. Ann, Clarendon and Westmoreland.
Due to the succulent nature of the plant, it is highly susceptible to pest infestation therefore regular scouting must be in place as well as the proper use of Recommended pesticides.
There are two varieties called Cow Tongue (Hybrid) which has large thick leaves and Ever Green (Local) with smaller and thinner leaves.
The Investment
Currently the cost of production for an hectare for a new entrant farmer $11.73 per kg, while for an existing farmer $10.04/ ha.
Marketable yield per hectare varies from area to area. However, expected yield per hectare ranges between 17,480-18,000 kg depending on cultivation practices.
Market Potential
Callaloo is marketed fresh to:
Local consumers: For house hold use, it is sold in bundles or chopped and packaged.
Exporters: Canned, bundled in 15 lb cartons or chopped in 1-2 kg packets
Processors Fresh
Marketed produce can be broken down as follows:
30 % of all callaloo grown is sold to exporters to be exported fresh , the major export season starts in November and continues to July at which time the supply falls off but export continues throughout the entire year.
50% is sold to processors (canned): Processing is usually a year round venture due to the reduction in the quality restraints practiced. 95 % of this canned product is exported and the remainder sold in the local marketing outlets. The remaining 20% is sold to local consumers . This is a year round market.
Local market
This consists of the fresh market and the processing trade. Volumes needed are:
Export market
Callaloo is exported to United States of America , England and other European countries and Canada .
Approximate volumes exported are:
NB. Correct use of pesticides is paramount to the sale of Callaloo into all three market segments.
Market Price
Table 1. Comparative Prices for different market segments (2000 - 2005) - $ / kg ($ / kg)
Year |
Export |
Processing |
Local - Fresh |
2000 |
8.80 - 11.00 |
6.60 - 8.80 |
13.20 - 17.60 |
2001 |
11.00 - 13.20 |
8.80 - 11.00 |
15.40 - 19.80 |
2002 |
13.20 - 17.60 |
13.20 - 17.60 |
22.00 - 26.40 |
2003 |
13.20 - 19.80 |
13.20– 17.60 |
22.00 - 26.40 |
2004 |
13.20 - 22.00 |
13.20 - 17.60 |
22.00 - 26.40 |
2005 |
22.00 - 24.20 |
17.60 - 22.00 |
22.00 - 33.00 |
year |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
Volume (kg) |
358,962 |
466,873 |
476,626 |
346,753 |
Value ($) |
531,646 |
303,141 |
325,321 |
547,876 |
Table 2: Export data for fresh callaloo (2000 - 2003)*