Quinoa in a bowl

Project summary

Europe imports more than 90% of its quinoa from South America – a dependence that can lead to price fluctuations, supply shortages and limited diversification. At the same time, farmers in India are looking for profitable and climate-resilient crops that can thrive in dry conditions.

IQF Europe is building a new trade corridor between India and Europe. Working with local farmer communities in Rajasthan, the company sources quinoa directly from approximately 2,500 farmers and coordinates quality control, processing and export. Through the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF), managed on behalf of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Invest International provided a €200,000 working capital loan to pre-finance the company’s first imports of quinoa from India.

Quinoa growing in India

The financing supports the shipment of 12 containers of quinoa to European customers and helps establish a reliable, sustainable supply chain between India and Europe.

As a Dutch company, IQF Europe manages the commercial, financial and logistical activities from the Netherlands, creating new business opportunities while contributing to more resilient global food systems.

Our impact

Strengthening food resilience with a new supply chain

A new supply route reduces Europe's dependence on South American quinoa imports.

Developing climate-resilient agriculture

Quinoa grows well in arid areas and is largely rain-fed, requiring little or no pesticide use.

Supporting local farmers in India

Around 2,500 farmers in Rajasthan gain access to a growing international market for quinoa.

Expanding Dutch trade connections

The project links Indian producers with European buyers through a Dutch-managed value chain.

Project partners

Logo of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs

More information about this case

Mieke Flierhuis

Investment Manager


Mieke.Flierhuis@investinternational.nl

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