Business potential of bioproducts from cactus pear waste in a semi-arid Mediterranean environment

The circular bioeconomy requires the search for innovative solutions for the management of waste in the food supply chain, especially when it is possible to extract bioproducts with high market demand through innovative green processes. The cactus pear supply chain is not exempt from this process, as its production waste contains pectin (an aggregating additive) and betalaine (a natural colouring agent), which, according to extensive literature and empirical evidence from many countries around the world, can meet the health claims of modern consumers. To this end, a study of the market potential of cactus pear bioproducts was carried out as a preparatory study for the implementation of a production investment for the extraction of pectin and natural colours from cactus pear. The work, developed through secondary data and a survey of a sample of companies interested in adopting these food additives, shows interest in attributes such as proximity of production, absence of residues and contaminants, and willingness to support the local economy, for which a premium price is recognised.