shikamafoods
About us
Univfood S.A. is an Ecuadorian company located in Archidona City, Amazon Region. At Univfood S.A., we are proud to show the products of Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest to the world. Our top export product is our organically grown guayusa leaves, which are carefully harvested, cleaned, dried and milled.
Univfood S.A. started our first operation in 2014, cultivating the stevia leaf. The core team was well trained. Some had more than 20 years’ experience in the food industry. We quickly realised the potential of Guayusa. Since then, we have developed numerous processes to improve the quality of the Guayusa leaves and the processing. Our production process goes from post harvest to the final products, which are Guayusa dried milled leaves and a natural powder extract of Guayusa.
Other products by Univfood S.A. are lemongrass (Cymbopogon Citratus), cassava natural powder, pata de vaca leaf (Bauhinia Forficata), ayahuasca leaf and turnip powder.
Social Impact
Guayusa is produced in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest, specifically in the Archidona county, by independent farmers that use an ancestral agricultural method called ‘Chakras’. The sale of Guayusa is critical for the people of the area because it allows them to educate their children, improve their livelihood, remain on their land and avoid migration. Forty farmers supply Univfood S.A. with high quality Guayusa which is carefully cleaned, dried, milled and exported to international markets under the ‘Shikama’ brand. The processing plant, located in the Kichwa community of Wambula, is staffed by local workers, further contributing to the economy of the region.
Benefits of Guayusa
Nutritional
Guayusa contains antioxidants in the form of chlorogenic acids and catechins §It is a source of caffeine (2-7%), which boosts physical energy §The theobromine in guayusa reduces stress and promotes mental stimulation
Health
Guayusa also has a positive secondary benefit on the brain’s neurotransmitter function. Guayusa regulates epinephrine (adrenaline) which helps the body under stress. •It helps metabolise glucose and reduce free radical damage
Clinical
Guayusa has been clinically shown to naturally stimulate the body and decrease fatigue while enhancing wellbeing. Guayusa boosts metabolism and contributes to weight loss.