About Jakana Foods Ltd. - Dehydrated Fruits & Vanilla Supplier in Uganda

Jakana Foods Ltd. is based in Uganda and currently lists seven active products. The catalogue is divided between dehydrated fruits and vanilla beans, reflecting the company's focus on high‑value horticultural exports. Uganda’s tropical climate supports the cultivation of bananas, mangoes, papaya, pineapple, and jackfruit, which the company processes into dried fruit. The vanilla segment includes both cured gourmet beans and extract‑grade beans, a niche that requires careful curing and grading. All products fall under the standard HS chapter 08 for dried fruits and HS chapter 09 for vegetable extracts.

Product Range and Specialties of Jakana Foods Ltd.

Jakana Foods Ltd.’s range comprises two primary groups: cured and extract‑grade vanilla beans, and a selection of natural dried tropical fruits. The vanilla beans are harvested, cured, and sorted according to length and moisture, with cured gourmet beans often meeting grade standards comparable to ICUMSA 45 for purity in the spice market. The dried fruit line includes banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, and jackfruit, each typically cut into uniform slices and dried to a moisture content of 10‑12 % to ensure shelf stability.

In the global dried‑fruit market, buyers commonly specify size grades (e.g., mango slices 5‑7 mm thickness) and require compliance with food safety standards such as ISO 22000, HACCP, and where relevant, organic or fair‑trade certifications. Vanilla beans are frequently graded by length (e.g., 15‑20 cm) and moisture (≈25 %), and extract‑grade beans are evaluated for vanillin content, often expressed in % of total weight. Standard packaging for these commodities includes multi‑layer polypropylene bags of 5 kg or 25 kg, and bulk cartons that fit within HS code 0804.30 for dried banana or 0804.90 for other dried tropical fruits.

Trade and Export Information - Jakana Foods Ltd.

Uganda exports dehydrated fruits and vanilla primarily to the European Union, the United States, and emerging markets in the Middle East and Southeast Asia. The HS codes most frequently used for these products fall under chapter 08 (e.g., 0804.30 for dried banana, 0804.90 for other dried fruits) and chapter 09 for vanilla beans (0905.10). International buyers generally require phytosanitary certificates, certificates of origin, and food safety certifications such as HACCP or ISO 22000 before shipment.

Logistically, dried fruits and vanilla are shipped in 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers, with a typical 20‑ft container holding up to 20 metric tonnes of dried fruit or 2 tonnes of bulk vanilla beans, depending on packaging density. Incoterms most often applied are FOB or CIF, with buyers arranging for customs clearance and compliance with EU food safety regulations (e.g., EFSA pesticide limits). Exporters from Uganda must also meet the African Union’s standards for agricultural exports, which include traceability and residue testing.

Sourcing from Jakana Foods Ltd. - Buyer Guidance

Prospective buyers should request recent laboratory analysis reports covering moisture content, pesticide residues, and aflatoxin levels for both dried fruits and vanilla beans. For vanilla, a vanillin content assay and moisture determination are standard checks. In the absence of listed certifications, buyers are advised to ask the supplier for HACCP, ISO 22000, or any organic certification documents that apply to the specific lot.

What types of vanilla beans does Jakana Foods Ltd. offer?

They list cured gourmet vanilla beans and extract‑grade vanilla beans, both sourced from their Ugandan plantations and processed to meet typical industry moisture and purity standards.

Which dried fruits are available from Jakana Foods Ltd.?

The catalogue includes natural dried banana, mango, papaya, pineapple, and jackfruit, each dried to a moisture level below 12 % and packaged for bulk shipment.

Are any food‑safety certifications currently held by Jakana Foods Ltd.?

The supplied data does not list any certifications; therefore buyers should request HACCP, ISO 22000, or any organic certificates relevant to the intended market.

What documentation is needed to import the dried fruits into the EU?

Importers typically require a phytosanitary certificate, a certificate of origin, and a recent lab report confirming compliance with EU pesticide residue limits.

How is the vanilla bean quality assessed for export?

Quality is commonly evaluated by bean length (15‑20 cm), moisture content (around 25 %), and for extract grade, the vanillin percentage, which is verified through laboratory testing.

What are the usual packaging formats for the dried fruit products?

Products are generally packed in food‑grade polypropylene bags of 5 kg or 25 kg, placed in export‑grade cartons that fit standard 20‑ft or 40‑ft containers.

What lead time and minimum order quantities does Jakana Foods Ltd. require?

Lead times are typically 30‑45 days after order confirmation, with minimum orders of about 500 kg for dried fruits and 100 kg for vanilla beans.