Development of New Products from Fruits of Colombian Biodiversity -Selva Nevada

Please note that the deadline is based on Korean Standard Time Zone (KST, UTC+9)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page. 

• Project: CO038-E1 Just Rural Transition in Colombia – Bio Rural

• Output: CO038-E1-3

• Duty Station: Bogotá (Colombia)

• Contract Duration: (29) June 2026 - (19) February 2027

• Number of Workdays Estimated (internal purpose only): 159 days– deliverable based

• Consultant: Level 2

• Total Fees: Up to USD 12,500

Project background

GGGI has a diverse portfolio of programs in developing countries around the world. Together with global products and services, these in-country programs focus on delivering results through an integrated approach of evidence-based green growth planning and implementation aligned to “countries” development priorities. The organization also focuses on knowledge development and management activities, which build a solid theoretical and empirical basis for green growth while providing concrete options and guidance for policymakers and creating the conditions for public and private green infrastructure investments.                                                                                                 

GGGI has been working with the Government of Colombia to advance green growth policies and green investments through strategic partnerships such as with the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Ministry of Treasury and Public Credit, and the National Planning Department (DNP), among others. Since 2014, GGGI has supported the DNP in its objective of advancing a green growth vision and transition plan for Colombia that can help climate goals and SDGs achievement. GGGI supported the development of the Green Growth Taskforce led by DNP (2016-2018), which produced solid and relevant information for the design and concertation of the Green Growth Policy- GGP (adopted using CONPES 3934 of 2018).

One strategic axis of the GGP aims to promote the sustainable use of natural capital, which includes the Bioeconomy as one key strategy to foster the low carbon economy through adding value to generate products, processes, and services based on responsible use of biodiversity and biomass. In that regard, GGGI supported the Ministry of Science, Technology, and Innovation - MinCiencias, the National Planning Department, and other stakeholders in the technical design and concertation of the National Bioeconomy Mission “Para una Colombia Potencia viva y diversa: hacia una Sociedad impulsada por el conocimiento”.

Besides, GGGI was awarded by the UKPACT program in 2021 Colombia to develop the project “Accelerating the development of new bioeconomy businesses and enhanced capacities for green jobs promotion and increased climate action ambition from policy implementation and integration”, in which a Bioeconomy Accelerator Mechanism was created to enhance the capacity of bioeconomy business and strengthen the capability of MinCiencias to meet their target of 126 and 500 bioproducts endorsed by 2022 and 2030, respectively: Complimentarily, a knowledge-sharing component to disseminate case studies, lessons learned, best practices, and recommendations.

GGGI with MinCiencias support, designed and launched 2019 the Bioeconomy Projects Acceleration Mechanism – MAPBIO, which aims to provide technical assistance to accelerate bioproducts in the last mile. The first call for proposals received 26 proposals evaluated through a multicriteria analysis; the mechanism supported four bioproducts. After successfully implementing MAPBIO 1.0, GGGI was awarded an extension project for scaling up MAPBIO and developing further activities with MinCiencias and INNpulsa. The current call pro proposals MAPBIO 3.0 received were focalized in the Pacific and Amazon region and received 12 submissions and selected 2. In total, we have successfully supported 20 bioproducts to contribute to the national goal of reaching 500 registered bioproducts by 2030.

As part of the UK PACT Bio Rural project, GGGI has selected the company Selva Nevada and its initiative, “Development of Functional Foods with High Added Value from Fruits of Colombian Biodiversity,” as a beneficiary of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call. This selection secures support for Selva Nevada’s bioproduct acceleration processes during the 2025–2026 period.

In this context, Selva Nevada has identified promising opportunities to develop a new line of functional foods focused on the conservation of forest biodiversity, taking advantage of the expanding market for functional foods with high added value and scientifically proven health benefits. The target markets for this new product line are diverse and include institutional food programs, public procurement, the silver economy, and networks of specialized physicians. Furthermore, there is significant potential in various consumer segments across all age groups.

By developing a new line of innovative functional foods incorporating Amazonian fruits with high nutritional value, the company aims to contribute to the advancement of the Colombian bioeconomy through sustainable value addition and innovation based on biodiversity, as well as market differentiation.

The main objective of this consultancy is to support Selva Nevada in accelerating the development of new bioproducts as beneficiaries of the MAPBIO+ 2024 Call for Proposals. Using their technical expertise, the consultant will build a comprehensive platform encompassing everything from mapping preservation technologies for fruit concentrates to market-ready finished products made from açaí, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo, building a portfolio consistent with the Selva Nevada philosophy and meeting all technical, sensory, and regulatory requirements. This strategy will align closely with Colombia's commitment to biodiversity conservation while also responding to market demand.

Specific Objectives

1. To support the design, development, and validation of integrated, room temperature-stable concentrate prototypes from four Amazonian fruits—acai, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo—ensuring functional properties, stability, and suitability for commercial application.

2. To support the design, prototype, and validatation of three ready-to-drink (RTD) functional beverage formulations derived from the validated fruit concentrates, optimizing product functionality, sensory characteristics, shelf stability, and market readiness.

3. To support the design, prototype, and validation of three functional gummy formulations based on the validated fruit concentrates, ensuring product stability, bioactive ingredient retention, sensory acceptability, and potential for commercial scale-up.

The expected outputs are the following:

1. Work Plan

The consultant will develop a comprehensive work plan that defines the objectives, key indicators, timelines, and stakeholders. This document will clearly define the goals, measurable results, schedules, responsible parties, and roles, ensuring alignment with the objectives and scope of the development of Selva Nevada's new line of functional foods.

2. Report 1. Technical Proposal for a platform construction: Design prototypes of four shelf-stable fruit concentrates (acai, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo)

Support the design of the technical platform of the programme through the formulation and prototyping of four  shelf-stable fruit concentrates (acai, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo), including the definition and validation of key physicochemical parameters, process architecture, identification of suitable maquila (contract manufacturing) alternativ s, and selection of an appropriate gelling agent to support the subsequent formulation and development of functional gummies.

Technical report of progress, results and evidence including:

• Technology mapping and process architecture

• Comparative analysis of preservation technologies: UHT, HPP, hydrodynamic cavitation, optimized heat treatment, and aseptic processes.

• Generate inputs for the evaluation of the technical and economic feasibility of each technology for Selva Nevada's four fruit varieties (acai, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo).

• Generate inputs for the design of the process flow for concentration at Selva Nevada's own plant, including equipment specifications and critical operating parameters.

•  Generate inputs for the definition of the minimum technical requirements for aseptic processing.

• Design, development and validation of prototypes of concentrates

• Generate inputs for the formulation and development of açaí, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo concentrates, either in parallel or according to the seasonal availability of raw materials.

• Identify adjustment of physicochemical parameters: Brix (16–17°), pH, water activity (aw), sensory and microbiological stabilization.

• Design of pilot tests in the laboratory and iterations with the Selva Nevada team.

• Projected stability modeling for 24 months (Arrhenius) and packaging recommendations.

• Definition of the gelling agent for the gummy line (vegan pectin, gelatin, or another technically viable option) based on compatibility with the developed concentrates.

• Industrial testing and commercial samples of concentrates

• Identification of manufacturing facilities with the technology defined in the first activity (Technology mapping and process architecture).

• Support in negotiating terms with the selected manufacturing facility.

• Obtaining finished prototypes concentrates units suitable as commercial samples for scale.

Deliverable: Report on the formulation and validation process of the four (4) fruit concentrates and approved prototypes by Selva Nevada, including:

• Comparative technology map

• Process diagram

• Technical inputs and specifications for the final formulation of four (4) fruit concentrate prototypes.  

• Validation support and technical documentation for the four (4) concentrate prototypes, including formulation adjustments and performance considerations.  

• Projected stability report

• Technical data sheets for four (4) concentrates

• Support for the documentation and analysis of industrial-scale testing of the concentrates, including key findings and technical recommendations.

 3. Report 2. Design and generate a protype of RTD Functional Beverages and Functional Gummies

Support the design and  prototypes of three ready-to-drink beverages, water-based with Amazonian fruit concentrate, using the concentrates validated in the first activity.

Suppirt the desing and Supportrototypes of three functional gummies using the same platform of Amazonian ingredients and the same logic of beneficial properties as the beverages, using the concentrates validated in the first activity, and taking into account the defined gelling agent in the formulation.

Technical report of progress, results and evidence including:

Prototypes of RTD Functional Beverages:

• Exploration

• Definition, in collaboration with Selva Nevada, of the key attributes of each product.

• Analysis of trends in RTD functional beverages with Amazonian fruits at the global and local levels.

• Feasibility analysis of contract manufacturing for 250 ml beverages: plant availability, filling capacities, and costs.

• Suggests election of candidate suppliers for each concentrate (acai, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo).

• Document with the initial Evaluation and Projection for bioproducts

• Conceptualization of the three products: target sensory profile, functional claims, and value proposition.

• Identify early regulatory validation (INVIMA): active ingredients, permitted limits, labeling, and functional claims.

• Supply chain management and preliminary costing per product.

• Draft report of Experimentation

  • Initial formulation and development of T1 and T2 prototypes of each beverage in the laboratory.

  • Formulation iterations with the Selva Nevada team.

  • Sensory panel with the target audience: hedonic test + JAR, statistical analysis (ANOVA, Friedman), and final adjustments.

Prototypes of Functional Gummies:

• Document with the initial Conceptualization and Matrix Design or bioproducts

  • Conceptualization of the three references: Energy (acai), Immunity (camu camu), and Digestion (copoazu or corozo).

  • Proposal of the   functional gummy matrix with the gelling agent selected in the first activity, optimizing the incorporation of the fruit concentrate without affecting the sensory profile or active functionality.

  • Preliminary cost estimation and early regulatory validation of functional claims

• Draft report of Experimentation

  • Development of T1 and T2 prototypes of each reference in the laboratory.

  • Formulation iterations with the Selva Nevada team.

  • Suggest the sensory panel with the target audience: hedonic evaluation + JAR and final formulation adjustments based on the statistical results.

Deliverable: T1 prototypes of the six products approved for the sensory panel. Sensory statistical reports for beverages and gummies approved. Final formulations finalized, including:

• T1 and T2 beverage prototypes (×3)

• Suggest actors and methodology for the Sensory panel statistical report on functional beverages

• Final RTD functional beverage formulas (×3)

• T1 and T2 gummy candy prototypes (×3)

• Suggest actors and methodology for the Sensory panel statistical report on functional gummy candy

• Final functional gummy candy formulas (×3)

 4. Final Report. T1 prototypes of the six products approved for the sensory panel. Sensory statistical reports for beverages and gummies approved. Final formulations.

Prototypes of the RTD Functional Beverages:

• Implementation

  • Proposal of the Scale-up from laboratory to plant: industrial pilot batch of the three products.

  • Definition and documentation of critical process parameters (CPPs) for each product.

  • Nutritional information, labeling, and packaging in accordance with Colombian regulations.

  • Management of INVIMA registration by consultant.

Prototypes of the Functional Gummies:

• Implementation

  • Proposal for scaling to pilot batch and critical process parameters per product.

  • Nutritional tables and labeling in accordance with Colombian regulations; functional claims, if applicable.

The consultant will deliver a comprehensive final report summarizing the consultancy’s outcomes, with supporting evidence, including:

• Pilot batch of 3 functional RTD beverages + pilot batch of 3 functional gummies. Complete transfer package

• INVIMA management

• Technical data sheets for functional RTD beverages (×3)

• Nutritional tables, labeling, and INVIMA management (×3)

• Technical data sheets for functional gummies (×3)

• Nutritional tables and labeling for functional gummies (×3)

Additional aspects to consider:

• The success of the program will be measured by three specific indicators that ensure that the products: are technically correct in their formulation and development, are ready for the market, and the fruit concentrate platform (acai, camu camu, copoazu, and corozo) is scalable and exportable.

• Selva Nevada will deliver the supplies (fruits: acai, camu camu, copoazu and corozo)

• Selva Nevada will pay the INVIMA registration fees.

Deliverables, timeline, and payments

Reporting Arrangements

The Consultancy reports to the Bioeconomy Associate under the technical guidance provided by under the technical guidance of the Selva Nevada as a beneficiary of the MAPBIO+ program. The consultant's work progress will be monitored primarily through periodic review meetings for planning and monthly short face-to-face (or virtual) meetings for prioritizing activities, all of that previous consensus with the Contract Supervisor. In this review, meetings will tackle subjects such as the overview of the contractual objectives, the development of activities, detailed information milestones, actual achievements made against the timeline initially set, and any other relevant progress details. 

All Deliverables will be produced in Spanish, by GGGI's formatting requirements, and submitted with proof of editable file back-up (e.g., .docx, .pptx) in the GGGI SharePoint system. Where relevant, the consultant shall also provide raw data sets, research materials, and meeting notes related to the contractual objective. 

• (MANDATORY) Bachelor´s Degree in in Food Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Food Chemistry, or related areas.

• (MANDATORY) Must be a Colombian citizen or a foreigner holding a valid working Visa.

• (MANDATORY) A least four (4) years of experience in handling and formulation of foods made from fruits of Colombia's biodiversity.

• Desirable with postgraduate studies in Food Science and Technology

• English understanding suitable.

• Organized with excellent time management..

• Proven ability to work with teams and collaborate.

• Ability to work well under pressure and have a flexible approach to tasks.

• Demonstrable experience of at least one (1) year in regulatory affairs with INVIMA, including current technical regulations, nutritional labeling, and Colombian food composition tables.

• Selection method / process: Open Competition.

• Timeline of the selection: Consulting starts June 29.

Date to close is Korean Standard Time (KST). Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered Application. CV must be sent in English. A consortium, or a firm may not be engaged for the individual consultant assignment.

GGGI as an institution abides by its project-level Sustainability and Safeguards Rules (SSR) for all projects aligned with international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards. The SSR is aligned with commonly recognized international standards for Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS), i.e. the WB Performance Standard, that ensure project level safeguarding of communities and people impacted by GGGI activities. GGGI has integrated project level Environmental and Social Safeguards into its Project Cycle Management (PCM) with mandatory Preliminary Gender and Social Assessments and ESS Screening of all projects to identify and manage risks.

In addition, GGGI's Gender Equality and Social Inclusion Strategy 2021-2025 provides a framework toward achieving the principle of "Leaving No One Behind" in the transformation towards green growth, guiding GGGI's approaches to the mainstreaming of gender equality and poverty reduction in GGGI Colombia's Program. This also includes the implementation of the GGGI Gender Equality and Poverty Reduction Policy Markers on all projects. GGGI's Corporate Results Framework requires gender disaggregated indicators for participation in GGGI Capacity Building events.

GGGI's Child Protection Rules and GGGI Rules on Sexual Exploitation ensure safeguarding of children impacted by GGGI activities or in contact with GGGI contracted personnel, with GGGI taking a zero-tolerance approach to child exploitation. GGGI is committed to child protection, irrespective of whether any specific area of work involves direct contact with children. GGGI's Child Protection Policy is written in accordance with the Convention on the Rights of the Child. All procedures mentioned above are accompanied by guidelines and capacity building efforts. GGGI also provides a work environment that reflects the values of gender equality, teamwork, embracing diversity in all its forms, integrity and a healthy balance of work and life. We are committed to maintaining our balanced gender distribution and therefore encourage women to apply. GGGI promotes equal opportunities for all including persons with disabilities.

All GGGI's policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/  

GGGI is committed to apply transparency and accountability in its decisions and actions, and to practice integrity in all aspects of its operations. GGGI’s anti-corruption policy establishes zero tolerance for corruption and fraudulent, coercive, and collusive practices in GGGI’s operations. The whistleblowing policy is available at the following link https://gggi.org/site/assets/uploads/2017/11/Whistleblower-Policy_02072015.pdf

In addition, all GGGI’s policies are available for open consultation under the following link: https://gggi.org/policy-documents/

Lastly, within the framework of UK PACT Colombia's projects with GGGI and their respective activities, the following reporting channels from FCDO (UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) are available to GGGI suppliers and consultants:

• reportingconcerns@fcdo.gov.uk: to report any case of fraud or theft (whether proven or suspected).
• reportingconcerns@fcdo.gov.uk: to report any credible suspicions of or actual incidents of sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment related.