Fresh Cassava

Cassava products

Cassava is the basis of a multitude of products, including food, flour, animal feed, alcohol, starches for sizing paper and textiles, sweeteners, prepared foods and bio-degradable products. The products are derived from a number of forms of cassava, ranging from fresh leaves and roots to modified cassava starch. The degree of processing and the technical requirements tend to increase from the fresh form to the modified starch form.

Higher incomes and urbanization are associated with greater consumption of convenience foods and foods that are perceived as more desirable foods. In cassava-producing countries, urbanization represents an opportunity for producers to produce cassava for a larger consuming population. The implication is that cassava markets for fresh cassava can grow if the cassava products are convenient and in a more desirable form. Costa Rica has demonstrated that there is a growing export market for fresh cassava - if it is packaged in an attractive and useful manner. The potential for fresh cassava in producing countries represents growth, firstly through concentration, although competition and innovation are important factors as well. The potential for fresh cassava in non-producing countries represents growth through concentration and innovation.