RONAP exports raw Brazil nuts, an Amazon nut rich in healthy fats, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, to the U.S. and European markets. The association eliminates intermediaries and acquires nuts directly from 33 Brazil nut collectors in Madre de Dios, Peru, ensuring that they receive fair prices for their products.
The NESsT Lirio Fund will support RONAP with a working capital line to expand its production, develop new Brazil nuts products, and increase sales channels. With NESsT’s flexible financing, the association will be able to strengthen its relationships with prospective and existing clients.
Brazil nut trees rely on the complex ecosystem of the rainforest to flourish and produce fruit. To safeguard the forests’ rich biodiversity, RONAP’s Brazil nut suppliers hold concessionary contracts with the government to responsibly use the hectares for their commercial activities. RONAP provides them with technical training, tools, and psychological support to maintain the quality and environmental sustainability of their production.
RONAP’s main growth objective is to improve the income possibilities for local communities in Madre de Dios. In addition to supporting suppliers and their families who want to implement sustainable agricultural practices, the association’s activities have also created more than 40 employment opportunities in the biodiverse city that spans savannah and rainforest.
Another way in which RONAP improves the livelihoods of local inhabitants is by outsourcing the processing of its certified organic raw Brazil Nuts to local third-party providers that employ women from the region.
“We are happy to work with NESsT to expand our growth. Working capital is essential to support our valuable suppliers, be able to compete in the market and deliver organic, quality products with the conditions that our customers are looking for.”
As part of the NESsT Lirio Fund, RONAP will access business assistance tailored to its needs with a view to enhancing its growth strategies. NESsT will also assist RONAP to attain its social and environmental goals by implementing impact strategies and tracking metrics.
