Colombia

Meg Buchsbaum Joins the Colombia Avocado Board

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 22:29:12 GMT

The Colombia Avocado Board announced its appointment of Meg Buchsbaum as its new retail account manager Nov. 17. The group calls her a seasoned food industry professional with more than 30 years of experience in retail and wholesale buying as well as product development.

Most recently completing her seventh year with the National Mango Board, Buchsbaum has built a strong reputation for developing results-driven programs in supply chain, temperature management, sourcing, merchandising and marketing, according to CAB. She partners with East Coast retailers to design strategic initiatives that drive sales and strengthen category growth. Drawing on her earlier roles with C&S Wholesale and Whole Foods Market, Buchsbaum offers well-rounded insights that connect growers, distributors and retailers.

In addition to her industry work, Buchsbaum owns and operates Tapestry Hill Farm in Colchester, Conn.

“Produce has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember,” she says. “From my childhood days on the farm to the early mornings I now spend among the orchard, vegetable fields, flowers and bees — listening to the chickens — I find endless inspiration in the land and the food it provides. I am thrilled to join the CAB team and ready to help increase consumption of Colombian avocados in the U.S. while implementing proven strategies and industry knowledge.”

“Meg’s experience in creating and cultivating retail partnerships will be key to the CAB’s retail initiatives,” says Manuel Michel, managing director of CAB.

“She has a deep understanding of how to connect with retailers and shoppers alike, and her proven track record of building successful produce programs will bring tremendous value to our partners. Meg’s professionalism, insight and passion for fresh produce make her an excellent fit to represent Avocados from Colombia in the U.S. retail and foodservice space. I am confident that her leadership will strengthen industry collaboration, elevate our visibility in stores and reinforce retailer confidence in the quality and reliability of Colombian avocados.”

Fyffes Partners to Improve Housing for Colombian Banana-Farming Families

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 22:42:35 GMT

More than 300 banana-farming families in Colombia’s Magdalena region now have safer, healthier homes thanks to the five-year Building Dreams project.

Launched in 2020 as a partnership between Fyffes, the Albert Heijn Foundation — a benefit group working to improve conditions for those working in the fruit and vegetable supply chain — and the banana-trading company Banasan Foundation and Banasan-affiliated corporations, the project was designed to improve living conditions, sanitation and well-being for banana-growing communities.

The initiative was also supported by Fairtrade partner corporations such as Corporagros, Corporación Vitalban, and the producing companies Banex, Banapalma and Frutesa, whose contributions helped ensure a holistic community approach to the program.

According to the partnership, the project has delivered significant improvements in families’ quality of life, including better access to health services, enhanced water, sanitation and hygiene facilities, improved education opportunities and a healthier environment.

“Before, I used to say that I hated the rain because the roof of my house was made of plastic, we didn’t have a proper bathroom, and the house was in very poor condition,” says María Lara, a beneficiary of the program and a mother of four children. “Now, my children can study and sleep comfortably. This project has given us back our hope and dignity.”

Following UN guidelines on the Right to Adequate Housing, the project assessed each family’s needs to prioritize essential upgrades such as sanitation, kitchens and structural safety. The Banasan Foundation also conducted a needs identification survey to gain further insight into family relationships, community coexistence and broader social concerns.

Reflecting on the project

At a recent ceremony marking five years of the project, partners reflected on the impact of the initiative, which combines infrastructure upgrades, psychosocial support and environmental education.

“I am privileged and delighted to have met with local families today who have had their lives transformed through the Building Dreams program,” says Erik Vorenkamp, president of the Albert Heijn Foundation. “Not only have we provided improved living conditions for these families, but we have also improved their quality of life and personal development through the psychosocial support program.”

Julie Cournoyer, Fyffes global director of sustainability, comments: “A critical sustainability priority for Fyffes is building resilient communities and contributing to their economic development and enrichment. Long-term partnerships with our customers and suppliers such as Albert Heijn and Banasan, give us the capacity to develop truly impactful and life-changing programmes such as Building Dreams. We are immensely grateful to the Albert Heijn and the Banasan Foundations for making dreams a reality for these families.”

“Seeing local families enjoying their refurbished homes shows we have delivered real impact both for local communities and the banana industry,” adds Edgar Chalhoub, representing Banasan. “We look forward to continuing to work with Fyffes and Albert Heijn to improve the living conditions of farm workers and their families in Magdalena.”

As part of Banasan’s 20^th anniversary celebrations, the partnership is also now investing in education in the Magdalena banana-growing region. The Great Alliance for Education project will invest in the construction and renovation of key infrastructure for the Institución Educativa Departmental Rodrigo Vives, a primary and secondary school institution in Orihueca, including new classrooms, a cafeteria, a computer room, and sports and recreation areas to create a more inclusive and inspiring space for 658 students.

Colombia Avocado Board Announces New, Returning Board Members

Tue, 28 Oct 2025 19:16:45 GMT

The Colombia Avocado Board announced Oct. 28 the election results for its board of directors for the 2025-26 term, with four officer positions filled, including one new director, as the group prepares for another year of growth in the U.S. market.

Voting for the nine-member board was held at the organization’s recent annual meeting.

Each director serves a two-year term and may be reelected to continue serving in subsequent terms. The board plays a key role in providing strategic guidance, oversight, and direction for CAB’s efforts to strengthen the presence of Avocados from Colombia across the U.S. retail and foodservice sectors.

Galen Johnson, CAB secretary and importer director from Mission Produce, was newly elected to CAB’s board of directors. Johnson joins the board as secretary, replacing Brock Becker, also of Mission Produce. Johnson has more than 15 years of experience in retail, wholesale and foodservice sales.

Members reelected to new officer roles include:

Kellen Newhouse, CAB chair and importer director from West Pak Avocado
Ricardo Uribe, CAB vice chair and exporter director from Cartama
Sergio Plata Ortiz, CAB treasurer and exporter director from Baika Fruit

Newhouse, previously CAB treasurer, was elected as chair for a one-year term. Uribe had previously served as chair for five consecutive terms before moving into the role of vice chair, a position previously held by Plata Ortiz.

Continuing board members include:

Katheryn Mejia, CAB director with Corpohass
Brian Gomez, CAB importer director with Green Fruit Avocados
Dustin Hahn, CAB importer director from Naturipe Avocados
Ricardo Mejia, CAB exporter director from Fruty Green
Carlos Andres Londoño, CAB exporter director from Jardin Exotics

“The Colombian avocado industry continues to grow and gain recognition as a trusted origin for consistent, high-quality fruit,” says Manuel Michel, CAB managing director.

Since gaining market access to the U.S. in 2017, Colombia has steadily grown as a year-round source of hass avocados. Today, there are 620 U.S.-certified orchards — a 42% increase over last year — spanning 40,200 acres, up 37% year over year, according to CAB.

“This calendar year, Colombia is on pace to reach 150 million pounds of exports to the U.S. — an 85% increase from the prior year,” Michel says. “That growth reflects the commitment of our growers, exporters and importers to delivering quality and reliability week after week. Our board brings the experience and alignment needed to strengthen retailer confidence and ensure that Avocados from Colombia remain an essential part of the category’s year-round success.”

Colombian Avocado Board Eyes Exponential Growth in U.S. Market

Thu, 23 Oct 2025 12:27:37 GMT

ANAHEIM, Calif. — In just five years, the Colombian Avocado Board has achieved significant penetration in the U.S. market and has now launched a retail marketing campaign designed to support existing supplies and drive future growth.

To learn more, The Packer sat down with Manuel Michel, managing director for the Colombian Avocado Board, at the International Fresh Produce Association’s recent Global Produce and Floral Show.

Colombia received approval to export avocados to the U.S. in 2017, and the first shipments entered the U.S. with the 2018-19 season, says Michel. The Colombian Avocado Board was launched in 2020, and in 2023, the country exported 60 million pounds of avocados to the U.S. That number jumped to 134 million pounds with the 2024-25 season, and Michel says Colombia expects to export 160 million to 200 million pounds to the U.S. for the July 2025 through June 2026 season.

Historically, most of Colombia’s avocado volume has gone to Europe, says Michel. While just 22% of its supplies came to the U.S. last year, this year the U.S. will receive more than twice that, or 45% of Colombia’s avocado production.

“We’re projecting 300 [million] to 350 million pounds of avocado production in 2029, so we’re already two years ahead of schedule based on initial projections,” Michel says.

Michel says most of Colombia’s avocado volume, or 65%, comes through Philadelphia, 33% comes through Florida and 1% goes to the West Coast. Michel says it takes three days to get the fruit from Colombia to Florida and five days to get it to Philadelphia.

Raised by Colombia

To support its continued growth in the U.S. market, the Colombian Avocado Board has launched a new retail marketing campaign, “Raised by Colombia.” It includes digital coupons and ads, and Michel says the organization is working with retailers to customize the campaign to fit each retailer’s individual needs in a way that drives success.

With its two growing seasons across eight regions, Colombia offers year-round availability of avocados, says Michel. October through March is the main season in terms of volume, and August through September is the secondary season.

Michel sees avocados from Colombia “playing a more complementary role, so retailers always have avocados on their shelves.”

The “Raised by Colombia” campaign invites retailers and consumers to discover the story behind Colombian avocados — a story that involves generations of farming heritage and a climate that is ideal for avocado cultivation.

The campaign spotlights Colombia’s rainfall — more than 100 inches fall annually — and its fertile volcanic soil as contributors to growing exceptional fruit.

For more on the new campaign, visit:

Raised by Colombia

Colombia Avocado Supplies See Sharp Rise

Sun, 10 Aug 2025 21:13:19 GMT

Supplies of Colombian avocados in the U.S. will be up significantly this year compared to 2024, says Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board.

Through June 2025, approximately 82 million pounds of Colombian avocados were shipped to the U.S., he says. That’s a 115% increase over the 38 million pounds shipped over the same period in 2024.

Exports to the U.S. in 2025 are currently projected to reach 165 million pounds, up from 80 million pounds last year.

Several factors are driving the growth, he says, including maturing groves, higher yields, an increase in certified acreage and packing facilities authorized to export to the U.S. market.

In addition, a larger share of Colombia’s hass avocado exports is now directed to the U.S. market — about 40% of total exports this year compared to 22% in 2024, Michel says.

Thanks to two growing seasons, shipments of Columbian avocados to the U.S. market are made year-round. The main season runs from approximately September to March, and the traviesa season spans March to August/September, he says.

Volume is expected to decrease in September and October as the traviesa season ends, but supplies will build during the main season with peak volume expected in January and February.

There were some quality challenges in the transition to the traviesa season, Michel says, but the industry worked to address those issues.

“Moving forward, we are applying these learnings and new protocols to further improve and maintain more consistent quality,” he says. “For the upcoming main season, suppliers are making investments to ensure quality continues to improve each year.”

Colombia has made strides in delivering more consistent volume and improving overall quality season after season, Michel explains.

“The industry is confident that this trend will continue into the main season, further establishing Colombia as a crucial year-round partner in the U.S. market,” he says.

Avocados From Colombia Brand Debuts in the U.S. Market

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 17:40:08 GMT

The Colombia Avocado Board has launched the Avocados From Colombia brand in the U.S.

The debut comes at a pivotal time for the industry, CAB said in a news release, as shipments of Colombian avocados to the U.S. have reached their highest volume to date with 85 million pounds in the first half of 2025, more than doubling the previous midyear record of 41 million pounds set in 2024.

CAB says new branding provides a consistent and compelling identity that reflects Colombia’s unique growing regions and celebrates the nearly 80,000 men and women who contribute to the success of the country’s avocado industry.

As demand for Colombian avocados continues to rise, CAB says it recognizes the importance of sharing their story and expanding the tools and resources that highlight the rich history and promising future of creamy, flavorful hass avocados, which are establishing their place as a year-round option in the category.

The brand launch includes a refreshed website , updated trade show materials, new educational and promotional resources, and a strong digital presence. Bold visuals, vibrant colors and representative icons, including imagery of rain, sun, mountains and trees that highlight the natural elements that support Colombia’s avocado-growing ecosystem and help tell the story behind every piece of fruit, according to CAB.

“The Avocados From Colombia brand marks an exciting new chapter in the growth of our industry and serves as a springboard for introducing new tools and resources to continue educating and promoting our beloved superfruit,” says Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board. “We are proud to lead a brand that reflects consistent year-over-year growth and ongoing investments in economic opportunity and community development. Looking ahead, we anticipate Avocados From Colombia will have an even greater presence in the U.S. market, supported by an expanded promotional footprint.”

For more information, connect with the Colombia Avocado Board at the IFPA Foodservice Conference (July 31 – Aug, 1) at Booth No. 805 to explore how Colombian avocados can be incorporated into your programs and drive ways to work together to create sales lifts.

Flat production, small fruit dog the avocado industry in 2024

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 13:09:30 GMT

The avocado industry has been chasing 3 billion pounds of annual production or import for years now. It didn’t make it in 2024, but there’s hope the goal is in reach for 2025.

The Hass Avocado Board released its 2024 Year in Review report May 25. In it, the board highlighted several trends in the U.S. avocado industry — key among these being five years of flat production and smaller fruit — as well as tallying up where the industry is and where it will go in the near future.

“Overall, volume stagnated flat, going from 2.860 billion pounds in 2023 to 2.878 billion pounds in 2024, an increase of less than 1%,” the report said. “It’s the fifth year in a row that volume has been between 2.588 and 2.878 billion pounds, a streak that many hope to break in 2025 and finally get over the 3-billion-pound mark the industry has had on its radar screen since 2019.”

The report also summarized California’s production and avocado export countries’ volumes shipped into the U.S. in 2024 as follows:

Mexico — 2.311 billion pounds, down 5% from its 2023 level of 2.435 billion pounds.
California — 337 million pounds, up sharply (58%) from its surprisingly low 2023 volume of 213 million pounds.
Peru — 137 million pounds, relatively flat compared to 2023.
Colombia — 68 million pounds, over double the 2023 volume of 30 million pounds.
Chile — 12 million pounds, also relatively flat compared to 2023.

Trend No. 1: Flat avocado production worldwide

John McGuigan, HAB director of industry affairs, told The Packer there are two main drivers of the flat production seen in avocado-producing countries: weather and grove age.

“Weather patterns have definitely changed,” he said. “Peru will tell you that the last couple of years were El Niño-driven and that’s why they had smaller crops and smaller sizes.” Mexico provides another example.

“The rainy seasons and the amount of rain down in Mexico, in Michoacan, is completely different,” he added, noting that Mexico produces roughly 85% of the avocados consumed in the U.S. Michoacan is Mexico’s primary avocado growing region, and a majority of the orchards there are completely rain-fed, making changes in precipitation patterns a problem.

“Mexico is having some issues with their productivity, and they have to increase their technological skills in the orchards if we’re ever going to get to 3.3 or 3.4 [billion pounds], which we believe is very doable on the demand side in the U.S.,” McGuigan said.

Grove age is also a productivity concern for Mexico and beyond, he said.

“A lot of the groves were put in in [Mexico, California and Chile] during the ’70s and the ’80s,” McGuigan explained. And older trees are not as productive.

Trend No. 2: Smaller avocados

Older trees also produced smaller fruit.

“Fruit from almost all origins trended smaller than ‘normal’ again for almost all of 2024, as Mexico, California, Colombia and even Peru, which historically had the largest size curve in our industry, had smaller-than-average fruit to bring to market,” the HAB report said. “Volumes for ’40s & 48s, the retail bread & butter of the industry, dropped by almost 30% during the course of 2024, while small fruit grew by 9.5%.”

“I think the industry needs to keep an eye on this phenomenon and this trend,” McGuigan said.

Both he and the report noted that, thus far, retailers have bagged the smaller avocados and seen good success there. McGuigan said the volume of bagged avocados has grown aggressively since COVID to now being about 25% of all of the sales of avocados, a trend led by Costco and Walmart.

But more needs to be done, McGuigan said.

“If we are moving into more and more and more small fruit, the industry is going to have to do something more innovative than just putting them in bags and hoping the consumer is going to pick them up,” he said.

2025 and beyond

Looking to the future, McGuigan said that Americans — who already buy half of the world’s avocados — would “absolutely buy more” if there were more to buy.

Expectations for the 2025 avocado crop stand at just around 3 billion pounds — where they’ve been, though unrealized, for the past several years — according to McGuigan. The following crop in 2026 will likely be roughly the same, but both California and Colombia are the places to watch for growth farther out. HAB expects about 150 million pounds from Colombia, for example, a steep increase compared to 2024’s 68 million pounds.

McGuigan said Europe is Colombia’s main avocado market. But as Peru, which already has a lot of the European market, sends more of its avocado production to Europe, there will be more opportunity for Colombian avocados to come to the U.S.

“The issue right now for Colombia is they have to get orchards registered with a government entity, with a work plan, before they can bring it into the U.S.,” McGuigan said. That has been a slow process, but one that is improving.

“It would not surprise me to see 300 or 350 million pounds from Colombia three or four years from now,” he said.

Closer to home, the projections for California production are strong.

“I’ve heard estimates from people that, five years from now, California could be 600 million pounds. It could be big,” McGuigan said.

The potential growth in California’s avocado production will be due to two main things: new trees and more orchards. On the one hand, there have been a lot of new avocado trees planted in the wake of the Thomas Fire that tore through Ventura and Santa Barbara counties in 2017.

On the other hand, new avocado orchards are going in replacing lemons. McGuigan said that lemons have been struggling for several years now because they are globally overproduced.

“So, a lot of that lemon production is going out and avocados are going in,” he said. “There’s going to be a little bit of a rebirth with California becoming a bigger player.”

Your next read:

Frutura acquires Colombian avocado packer-shipper

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 17:32:46 GMT

Frutura, a Reedley, Calif.-based global sales and marketing platform for premium fruit, has acquired Colombia-headquartered Montana Fruits, a packer-shipper-marketer of avocados sourced from growers throughout Colombia, according to a news release. Frutura’s Dayka & Hackett will manage the newly acquired company.

The family-run Montana Fruits already sources fruit for Frutura companies, the release said.

Frutura says the acquisition not only solidifies strong existing relationships, it also strengthens its Latin America footprint — a vital component to the company’s international strategy.

“We have a proven formula when we make an acquisition,” said Frutura CEO David Krause. “We work with in-country management to add value and optimize their enterprise. Then we drive growth by facilitating collaboration between the companies in our platform. And lastly, which is the case with the Montana deal, we see what needs to be added to Frutura supply so a priority crop such as avocados can become a 365-day-a-year asset to our customers.

“We’re actually ahead of plan with table grapes, citrus and berries,” Krause continued. “Avocados are our next big push.”

Frutura says its “bench strength in avocados” is built on the avocado acreage of U.S.-based Dayka & Hackett, Agrícola don Ricardo in Peru and Subsole in Chile.

IFrutura says it “signaled its bullish intent around avocados” in 2022 by hiring Stephen Fink to drive the effort.

“The Montana investment is that last puzzle piece we needed to be where I want us to be, which is truly vertically integrated in avocados,” said Fink, Dayka & Hackett’s vice president of sales and marketing. “Montana already has a strong customer base in Europe and Chile. The opening of the U.S. to Colombian avocados became a huge advantage to our domestic customers and that’s something Dayka & Hackett can powerfully explore with Montana now part of the Frutura family. Adding Montana’s capabilities will allow us to continue to aggressively ramp up and scale as our growing avocado operation necessitates.”

Colombia has “exploded” as a globally significant avocado growing region in recent years and Montana has enjoyed year-over-year growth, the release said. Fink says he intends to further magnify that progress by increasing volume.

Frutura says its international platform was designed to facilitate pivots should issues arise around weather, distribution, civil unrest or government action, which includes tariffs. The company says that while the situation with tariffs continues to evolve, its multi-geography platform positions Frutura to continue to serve customers.

Naturipe Farms touts strong Colombian avocado season

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 18:01:59 GMT

Naturipe Farms avocado season is shaping up to be one of the best yet, with a strong supply driven by the growing impact of maturing avocado trees in Colombia.

With Mexico providing year-round supply and Colombia complementing the seasonal transitions, hass avocados from both these points of origin result in a harmonious blend, says Naturipe. By using multiple growing regions, the company can provide an abundant supply of avocados, meeting retailer demand, according to a news release.

“Our Colombian avocado program has been a tremendous success,” said Andy Bruno, president of Naturipe Avocado Farms Division. “We are seeing improved quality and consistent supply as our trees mature and produce even more avocados. Retailers have embraced this new origin, and consumers enjoy how consistently delicious, ripe and readily available the supply is. Colombia’s climate and growing conditions allow for multiple crops throughout the year, which positions it as a reliable source for a 10-month supply now and, hopefully, 12 months once trees are fully matured.”

Naturipe owns its own Colombian avocado orchards, which it says gives the company full control over production and the ability to deliver consistent quality and supply to retail partners. With more than 1,500 acres of land dedicated to avocado production, Naturipe says it is well positioned to continue scaling its operations to meet growing demand.

“Our ability to diversify our supply mix and seamlessly integrate Colombian avocados with our existing program has been a game-changer,” Bruno said. “We’re excited for what’s ahead and confident that our program will continue to deliver the great-tasting flavor profile of hass avocados that retailers and consumers want year-round.”

Colombia Avocado Board touts strong volume growth

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 12:23:29 GMT

The Colombia Avocado Board says it seeks to expand its market share in the upcoming spring and summer season.

Colombia is the fourth-largest exporter of hass avocados to the U.S. The board said it anticipates the country will export more than 130 million pounds to the U.S., with peak volumes expected at the end of April and May, and running through August.

Since the USDA approved Colombian imports of hass avocados in 2017, the board said it has seen year-over-year growth of certified acres and packinghouses.

The main season runs from September to February. Colombia exported 50 million pounds to the U.S. market this growing season, with consistent rainfall and favorable conditions leading to strong yields and enhanced fruit quality, according to the board.

“As U.S. avocado consumption continues to grow, diversifying supply sources with options like Colombia is essential to meeting consumer demand and ensuring the category’s long-term success,” Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board, said in a news release. “Over the last 25 years, avocado consumption has increased from 2.1 pounds per capita to 9.2 pounds per capita, with 76% of households now purchasing avocados.”

Colombia will ship most of its fruit to East Coast ports, the board said, adding that it expected primary fruit size to be in the 60s and the early crop sizing in the 70s. The board said growers will also offer 48s and 84s to meet market demand.

“Colombia’s avocado industry is still developing, but through collaboration and a commitment to best practices, growers are focused on delivering the quality and eating experience that consumers expect,” Michel said.

The Colombia Avocado Board said it offers promotional funds to support U.S. avocado buyers.

“It feels like the start of a new era,” said Brock Becker, Colombia Avocado Board secretary and importer director for Mission Produce. “After years of gradual production growth and industry learning, we are making significant progress in developing confidence with the Colombian origin that benefits both retailers and consumers. Last year was pivotal for us in supporting new in-store experiences to introduce Colombian fruit to the U.S. market.

“Like anything new, there is always room for improvement, but we are confident that Colombia is becoming a reliable year-round supply option for U.S. buyers,” Becker added.

Colombia Avocado Board names executive director

Mon, 17 Jul 2023 20:10:12 GMT

The Colombia Avocado Board has appointed produce industry veteran Manuel Michel as its new executive director.

Michel assumed the role on July 17. He takes the reins from William Watson, who had been serving as acting director and was instrumental in the establishment of the organization, according to a news release.

“This is an exciting time to join the Colombia Avocado Board,” Michel said in the release. “I have an unwavering dedication to enhance lives through agriculture development and trade and my commitment is rooted in the profound impact ag development can have on the livelihood of farmers, local communities and consumers, and I see that reality at work in Colombia and I am eager to highlight the benefits and advantages of Colombian avocados and be a champion for the Board’s mission and vision.”

Related news: Chipotle testing Autocado prototype for guacamole prep

Colombian avocado production has grown immensely over the last two years with orchard numbers more than tripling, resulting in the production of nearly 25 million pounds, during the 2023 season, according to the release. The warm climate and fertile soils make Colombia a year-round global hass avocado producer and exporter with an increasing global sales footprint, the release said.

Most recently, Michel served as executive director of the National Mango Board, where he helped guide growth from 2014 to 2023. During his tenure he administered a national research and promotion program as well as increased volume, awareness and consumption of fresh mangoes in the U.S., according to the release.

Michel also has long history in agriculture, organizational administration and food safety dating back over 25 years, according to the release. He has a bachelor’s degree in agriculture from Oregon State University and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Texas Tech University, along with a license from the State Bar of Texas.

“We’re thrilled to have Manuel, and his special skill set, join CAB. It was vital that we brought the right person into this role, and we appreciate William supporting us in our operational startup until we could,” CAB Chairman Ricardo Uribe said in the release. “It’s clear that Manuel understands this opportunity with his past experience growing new organizations along with his international experience as we grow Colombian avocado exports to the U.S.”

Melissa’s and Goldenberry Farms form joint venture for Sweet Sugar Mango

Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:16:00 GMT

Melissa’s has been designated as an official distributor of Goldenberry Farms’ Sweet Sugar Mango under a joint venture formed by the companies.

The miniature mango variety has high sugar levels and thin, edible skin, according to a news release. Available April through June 2024, this marks the first “official” U.S. season for the Sweet Sugar Mango after a trial run in 2023.

“After several years of developing awareness for the item, demand from grocers and consumers alike has been very strong,” Michelle Alders, Goldenberry Farms product manager, said in the release. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Melissa’s to be a key national distributor for this unique and delicious item. Our Sweet Sugar Mangos are an almost-perfect attraction point for any product section. The fragrant and sweet smell immediately attracts customers, and the small size makes for a truly unique retail item.”

Non-GMO and hand-harvested by family farms on Colombia’s Caribbean Coast, the Sweet Sugar Mango undergoes a proprietary pre-harvest and post-harvest process for optimal flavor, travel and shelf life, the release said. The mangoes feature a thin skin that does not require peeling before eating and are both a kid-friendly treat and an elevated fruit-eating experience, according to Goldenberry Farms.

In anticipation of growing demand, Goldenberry Farms says it is expanding cultivation zones in Peru and Brazil to lengthen the season in the future.

The product is supported by a full social media and digital campaign, consumer recipes and promotions, as well as select in-store marketing campaigns, the release said.

La Dona Fruit starts exporting limes, avocados to the U.S.

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:06 GMT

La Dona Fruit, a Colombian grower and exporter, has launched a colorful band and packaging for avocados and limes for the U.S. and Europe.

True Origins by La Dona features multi-colored pre-Colombian symbols that reflect the color, light and music of the indigenous Andes culture, according to a news release. The company will be shipping the fruit in 40-pound cartons with the new designs to the U.S. in September. European customers will receive fruit in 4.5-kilogram boxes.

“The world needs a little more color right now, and we want customers interacting with our brand to see something on the brighter side,” Oscar Baracaldo, La Dona Fruit’s head of customer experience, said in the release. “True Origins by La Dona is a more dynamic design that epitomizes the color and light of the Andean culture, particularly the power of the sun from the pre-Columbian era.”

The new design is a contrast to the previous black opaque design for the company’s Colombian and Peruvian avocados and Tahiti limes from Colombia, according to the release. The new design might be extended to other fruit from the company.

“We continue to develop our farms and grower relationships to deliver the best that the Andes region has to offer,” Baracaldo said in the release. “By marrying ancient, local techniques together with up-to-date crop management practices, we can produce the rich and complex flavors that are found in La Dona’s fruit grown at different altitudes across the Andes.”

This will be the company’s first season of exports to the U.S. The company established a sales desk in Birmingham, Ala.. in 2019.

Related story:

COVID-19 news: Worker safety, immunity, thanking essential workers

Index Fresh partners with Colombia hass growers

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:13:59 GMT

Riverside, Calif.-based Index Fresh is partnering with growers in Colombia to bring hass avocados to the U.S. market.

“The Colombian avocados allow Index Fresh to build on the success that we’ve been developing for over a century,” Giovanni Cavaletto, vice president of sourcing at Index Fresh, said in a news release. “Over the next five years, I believe the exports will grow considerably as more trees come into production.”

Colombia is expected to be a year-round producer of hass avocados in the next few years, according to the news release. The country has traditionally been a large producer and consumer of West Indian avocado varieties, but the release said growers have started planting the hass variety at higher elevations to access export markets.

Avocados from Colombia were approved for shipment to the U.S. in August 2017, according to the release.

“Working with growers in Colombia allows Index Fresh to fulfill our mission of supplying high-quality avocados to valued customers while building our network of grower partnerships,” Cavaletto said in the release.

For Index Fresh, shipments from Colombia are anticipated in two blocks — June-August (traviesa bloom) and November-February (normal bloom). The company, which also sources hass from California, Mexico, Peru and Chile, started building relationships with Colombian growers in 2012, according to the release.

“Our focus has been on learning the needs, challenges, and objectives of the growers and work to match these with those of the market,” Cavaletto said in the release.

Banana industry staggered by TR4 discovery: now what?

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:09:57 GMT

The Packer’s Tom Karst visits Aug. 14 with Gerrit (Gert) Kema, professor and researcher at the Wageningen University in the Netherlands about the recent discovery of Panama disease in Latin America banana farms.

Kema talks about the implications of the confirmation of Fusarisum wilt tropical race 4 (Panama disease) in Colombia this month.

Kema, a plant health researcher with years of study on bananas, said the banana industry has leaned too heavily on the monoculture of the cavendish variety and not invested enough in research to find another variety with resistance to TR4.

What is the road ahead for multinational banana companies searching for an alternative to the cavendish variety? What research has been done to date to find an alternative, and are genetically modified varieties an option?

How quickly will the disease spread to other areas of Latin America?

Those are some of the questions that Kema takes on during the Aug. 14 interview with The Packer.

Related links

UPDATED: TR4 banana disease confirmed in Colombia

Research website on Panama disease

Mission Produce ramps up Colombia avocado production

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:14:15 GMT

Mission Produce Inc. , Oxnard, Calif., has big plans in Colombia.

A week before the World Avocado Congress in Medellin, Colombia, Mission announced its agenda in Colombia, including plans to ramp up avocado production within the next two years.

The company partnered in 2017 with Cartama, one of the country’s largest avocado growers, according to a news release.

“Colombia will provide us with an added source of year-round, high-quality fruit,” Mission Produce president and CEO Steve Barnard said in the release. “We will also continue partnering with Cartama to support volume and growth. We are replicating our vertically-integrated, cutting-edge business model in this country.”

The goal is to plant 1,000-1,500 hectares (about 2,500-3,700 acres) of avocado trees in Colombia to supply domestic and international markets, including the U.S. and Europe, Barnard said.

Colombia’s location makes it ideal for producing avocados because of its growing conditions, market accessibility and logistical abilities.

“Colombia is unique in that it offers a year-round supply of fruit. Our country will act as strong source for global avocados in the coming years,” Cartama CEO Ricardo Uribe said in the release.

Mission Produce is a platinum sponsor of the World Avocado Congress Sept. 23-27.

Related news:

Colombia features sustainable practices at Fresh Summit

Fri, 13 Nov 2020 06:17:07 GMT

Nine Colombian companies are set to present products of innovation and sustainable practices at Produce Marketing Association’s Fresh Summit in Anaheim, Calif.

Attendees can learn about Colombia’s industry trends and environmental practices used for goldenberries, avocados, yellow dragonfruit, passionfruit, limes, pineapples, bananas and Valencia oranges, among others.

The Colombian delegation supported by ProColombia, consists of:

CorpoHass
Fruti Reyes SAS
Ocati SA
Pacific Fruits International SAS
La Corsaria SAS
Bana Rica SA
Nativa Produce SAS
Baccota SAS
Frutales Las Lajas

ProColombia is part of the Colombian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism, according to the release.

Colombian companies will be at booth No. 1375 Oct. 18-19, according to the release.

Related Content
Mission Produce ramps up Colombia avocado production
Index Fresh partners with Colombia hass growers
Banana disease finding in Colombia concerns industry

Index Fresh markets Colombian avocados

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:48 GMT

Index Fresh is offering Colombian avocados for the third season.

“Colombian avocados are evolving to become a greater part of our offering for the general market,” Giovanni Cavaletto, vice president of sourcing at Index Fresh, said in a news release. “This is our third season, and each time there’s more availability.”

Being offered for a five-week window, the Colombian hass is slightly smaller than the varieties from California, Peru and Mexico that are available now.

“This fruit is helping fill in a niche that the market is looking for at this time of the year,” Cavaletto said in the release.

Colombian avocados are in season twice a year — June to September and November to February.

“Eventually, those two seasons are going to blend, and within a couple of years, Colombia will be a year-round supplier of avocados,” Cavaletto said in the release. “Our goal is to have a steady growth each season, and Colombia will be a very important part of our offerings.”

There are three mountain ranges in Colombia that will provide the extended season and “fantastic growing conditions,” according to Cavaletto. With ports on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, Colombia has good access for shipping.

Related articles:
Mission, Hazel increase ripeness window for avocados with AvoLast
Avocado sales up for Super Bowl, Valentine’s, St. Patrick’s Days
Avocados see week-to-week sales slip in late June

Port Everglades to sign agreement with Colombian port

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 20:00:28 GMT

Port Everglades , Fort Lauderdale, Fla., is signing an agreement with Colombia’s Port of Barranquilla to promote bilateral trade.

A ceremony for the signing of the Memorandum Agreement is scheduled for Nov. 20 in Miami.

The Colombian port is Port Everglades’ fifth largest trading partner, according to a news release.

“The two parties want to establish an alliance of cooperation aimed at facilitating international trade and generating new business by promoting the water trade routes between the two countries,” according to the release.

The Memorandum of Understanding includes joint initiatives the ports might pursue, including marketing activities and market studies, and sharing information on technology, modernization and improvements, according to the release.

The document signing will be in connection with the American Association of Port Authorities’ Latin American Congress of Ports.

Related stories:

Sol Shipping signs new lease at Port Everglades

Fresh produce boosts Port Everglades volumes

Protests slow produce exports from Colombia

Thu, 10 Jun 2021 16:48:08 GMT

More than a month of protests over a tax reform bill in Colombia have slowed the exports of some agricultural commodities, including hass avocados and bananas, the U.S. Department of Agriculture reports.

On April 28, mass protests erupted across Colombia in response to President Duque’s tax reform bill, according to a June 8 USDA report .

Despite the bill being withdrawn, the protests and unrest continue and are obstructing the movement of goods throughout Colombia, impeding bilateral agricultural trade, and raising food prices in the country, according to the report.

“The agricultural sector is sustaining major losses due to road blockades and unrest,” the report said. “The Colombian Ministry of Agriculture estimates economic losses of more than $700 million, due to road blockages and raw material shortages impacting the production and transport of food.”

The report said that since nationwide protests began April 28, Colombia has been unable to distribute more than 350,000 metric tons of grains (including 250,000 metric tons of U.S. grains) from Buenaventura port, due to protests and road blockages.

Colombian commodity exports (approximately $240 million), such as sugar, coffee, bananas, and hass avocados are also stuck in producing areas, the report said.

“Road openings at the end of May allowed for a brief uptick, but agricultural producer organizations are concerned that driver shortages driven by fears of attacks will continue to limit the cargo transported into and out of Buenaventura,” the report said.

Avocado supplier Green SuperFood launches European marketing arm

Mon, 27 Sep 2021 13:09:17 GMT

Green SuperFood (GSF) – a producer-exporter of premium and sustainable fresh fruit and one of the largest Hass avocado growers in Colombia and Brazil – is excited to announce the creation of its new European marketing and distribution arm Farmers Home Europe, which will be launched officially at Fruit Attraction 2021 from Stand 6F03A in Hall 6.

Serving as the European office for GSF’s Latin American growers, Farmers Home Europe will operate via a transparent business model – directly exporting Hass avocados to importers and retailers across Europe, the UK and Russia all year round.

Farmers Home Europe will replicate the GSF’s existing direct sales channel in the Americas, through which fresh fruit is shipped and marketed directly to customers across Brazil, Colombia and Argentina.

Supported by a team based in the Netherlands, Spain, and Portugal, Farmers Home Europe will be responsible for supporting existing GSF customers and expanding retail, wholesale and foodservice sales throughout Europe, eastern Europe, the UK and Russia.

Thanks to Farmers Home Europe, local customers now have a more flexible logistics service which enables them to receive fruit at their closest port of entry or local distribution platform. Looking ahead, Farmers Home Europe has identified a number of local partners with whom the company can become more integrated, minimise costs and streamline the supply chain.

Green SuperFood Colombia CEO Baptiste Kervyn explains: “Green SuperFood is a vertically-integrated grower of Hass avocados in Colombia and Brazil that expects to reach 1,800 hectares (ha) of production by 2023. We have our own advanced nurseries that focus on the research and innovation of healthy, sustainable plants from clonal seeds, which truly sets us apart from other fruit producers in the region.”

Kervyn continues: “The establishment of Farmers Home Europe will add value to our overall proposition through the addition of other products offered by GSF, such as limes, our proprietary AvoInfusion tea (developed with dehydrated natural fruit), and other products coming soon, such as avocado purée, oil and guacamole. Farmers Home Europe will differentiate the business as we incorporate more of our own production. We will be in a position where we can supply our own grown fruit for almost 12 months of the year from Colombia and Brazil.”

This approach is complemented by a focus on sustainable production practices, and supported by nutrient-rich soils across GSF’s growing areas. Fruit is grown according to the strictest global quality and food safety standards, including GlobalGAP and BRCS, and under responsible and regenerative production methods using the latest technology. Supply is year round thanks to complementary production in Colombia and Brazil.

Kervyn explains: “We are a planet-friendly company that takes pride in all the positive social impacts that we have on our local communities and the ecosystems with which we interact. With this in mind, we see that our customers with similar strong environmental and sustainable credentials will be our partners well into the future.”
Green SuperFood and Farmers Home Europe will exhibit jointly at Fruit Attraction 2021, which takes place in Madrid, Spain, on 5-7 October.

Colombia Avocado Board debuts new brand

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 07:17:51 GMT

The Colombia Avocado Board is excited to reveal their new brand image as part of a new strategic plan to increase Colombian avocado imports to the U.S.

The initiative is focused on building B2B relationships with U.S. buyers and sharing information about Colombia avocados to highlight their strengths and their opportunity to help supplement the growing U.S. avocado market.

“As we kicked off our new strategy, it was important that our logo captured the essence of the diverse ecosystem and tropical rainforests of Colombia,” said Pedro Aguilar, chairman of CAB. Aguilar continued, “The Andes is the backdrop of our home and the shades of green in the logo emulate the rich green colors of the country’s flora and fauna, while the tree plays homage to the wax palm, the national tree of Colombia.”

Although the tropical rainforests are part of what make Colombia special, it’s the direct access to the Atlantic and Pacific oceans that makes Colombia uniquely positioned to deliver avocados to the east coast of the U.S. in ten days or less, and the west coast in under two weeks. “When looking at the projected retail and foodservice demand in the United States, Colombia is perfectly positioned to help meet those demands head on and provide another market solution,” said Aguilar. William Watson, managing director of CAB shared, “Our goal is to build awareness for CAB and align with importers and buyers of avocados to show them that the Colombian Avocado program has the quality and volume to provide another category solution for a hungry U.S. consumer.”

Colombia is ecologically diverse boasting some of the greatest diversity in world, along with three different tropical mountain ranges which provide the perfect avocado growing conditions for a year-round season. Aguilar is filled with enthusiasm when he remarks, “We have fantastic growing conditions, consistent rainfall, and the capability to create extended seasons for avocados.” Aguilar also noted that this unique terrain allows Colombia to have two growing seasons for avocados that make avocados available 365 days a year.

The primary season is known as ‘in-season’ and harvest takes place October - March and represents two-thirds of the total harvest. The secondary season known as ‘off-bloom’ runs from May - August and represents the remaining portion of the crop.

Watson concluded, “This is an exciting time to be part of a category that has shown such rapid growth and work with an organization that is poised to grow into the space as they create new marketing and awareness tools.”

Colombia Avocado Board elects new officers to two-year term

Wed, 06 Oct 2021 17:21:29 GMT

In September, the nine-member Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) elected four new officers to Board of Directors, serving a two-year term from 2021 through 2023.

Pedro Aguilar of Westfalia Colombia will serve as Chairman, and Ricardo Uribe of Cartama will serve as Vice-Chairman. Serving as Secretary is Jorge Restrepo of Corpohass, and serving as Treasurer will be Kellen Newhouse of WestPak Avocados. The newly elected officers, together with other members of the CAB, will be instrumental in helping cultivate new consumers of Colombian avocados in the United States.

“On behalf of the members of the Colombia Avocado Board, I want to congratulate and thank our new officers for their commitment to the mission of the CAB,” said managing director, William Watson. “As we continue to roll out our promotion of Colombian Hass avocados in the United States, I look forward to working with them to help grow U.S. demand for Colombian avocados.”

SanLucar and Disney´s "Encanto" enchant with juicy-sweet fruit

Wed, 03 Nov 2021 15:50:42 GMT

In the new Disney film “Encanto”, the cheerful Madrigal family from Colombia experiences a truly fortunate adventure. Their wonderful story amazes and spreads so much joy - just like the sun-drenched mandarins, oranges, grapefruits, lemons, avocados, and pineapples from SanLucar.

So, starting November 15 in the German and Austrian POS, fun and colourful Disney’s “Encanto” packaging and stickers will adorn SanLucar citrus, avocados, and pineapples.

“The Madrigals from Colombia bring so much happiness and magic to winter. I’m sure that young and old will really want to snack our delicious fruits”, says Nuria Pizán, Brand & Creative Director at SanLucar. For years now, the premium fruit and vegetable company has been encouraging healthy eating. “Taste and nutrition habits are formed in the first years of life, after all. And with the Disney collaboration, we want to offer another incentive for children to eat fresh, delicious fruit”, says Nuria Pizán.

For the magical “Encanto” promotion at the POS in Austria and Germany, SanLucar provides retailers with attractive advertising materials such as top signs, display stands and sales folders. In addition, there is a POS competition on Facebook for retailers: The most beautiful and creative presentations of SanLucar products in the frame of the campaign will receive a prize.
To make the delicious winter fruits even tastier for the final consumer, SanLucar raffles 50 great “Encanto” fan packages and a trip for four people to Spain near Valencia. There, the winners will also visit the SanLucar citrus farm, among other things.

Information on the competition and how to enter is available at www.sanlucar.com.

The big growth story for Colombian avocados to the U.S.

Fri, 11 Aug 2023 19:49:55 GMT

Colombian avocado exports to the U.S. are on the move.

USDA trade statistics indicate U.S. imports of Colombian avocados reached nearly $48 million in 2022, up from less than $8 million in 2021.

U.S. imports of Colombian avocados were approved in 2017 and first shipments began in 2018.

“The phenomenal growth of the Colombia avocado market is astounding,” said Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board . “The last 12 months have been good for Colombian avocados in the U.S. as more buyers are becoming familiar with our fruit as they expand their resource options.”

With more than 400 approved orchards, Michel said Colombian avocado export volumes to the U.S. continue to increase. In the fiscal year ending in June, exporters moved over 31 million pounds of fruit to the U.S., up from less than 1 million pounds in 2019.

“Late summer and fall is traditionally the ‘traviesa’ season, which is currently in peak production and buyers should be seeing plenty of Colombian fruit in the market,” he said.

Colombia offers a compelling advantage with expedited arrivals to the east coast in just four to five days, he said.

Related: Mission Produce ready for avocado supply transition

Demand growth

Michel said there is “no doubt” that avocado consumption continues to grow.

“New consumers to super users continue to find more ways to eat and use avocados,” he said. “We are excited to be bringing Colombia avocados to the U.S. market at a time that demand is on the rise and appears to have no limits. This is a great time for Colombia to be able to offer retailers customized programs that meet their category objectives.”

The Colombia Avocado Board has many merchandising display tools available for retailers at no cost, Michel said. That set of tools includes bins, secondary displays and signage to help retailers support in-store programs, he said. The display materials help highlight the spectacular landscapes of Colombia and great flavor of hass avocados that consumers have come to love.

“We have customizable retail promotions for every retailer,” Michel said. “We can work to help facilitate programs that help grow both the Colombia avocado program and the retailer’s avocado category. There is not a one-size-fits-all plan, and we will work with every buyer to find a program that optimizes their needs through promotional funding.”

Related: California avocados continue with customized promotions through Labor Day

Colombian avocados star in Super Bowl celebrations, agency says

Mon, 12 Feb 2024 19:23:32 GMT

For the past five years, Colombia has been shipping avocados to the U.S. while experiencing growth in import figures, says ProColombia, a promotional agency for the country.

The country’s reputation for year-round availability and quality has piqued the interest of competitors and buyers, making Colombia a “rising star in the global market,” according to a news release from ProColombia, adding that massive events such as the Super Bowl help fuel demand for avocados. This year alone approximately 1,496 tons of Colombian avocados were shipped to the U.S., specifically to meet the cravings of football fans, the release said.

“With a 12% increase in exports compared to 2022 and a promising trajectory ahead, Colombia, renowned as The Country of Beauty, is primed to leverage the competitive edge of avocados,” Carmen Caballero, president of ProColombia, said the release. “This commodity drives our agro-industrial exports and quality employment. At ProColombia, we have been and will continue to spearhead the access and promotion of Colombian avocados to the United States.”

But avocados wren’t the country’s only offering for a culinary journey this past weekend, ProColombia said, adding that Colombian gastronomy added flair to big game celebrations, from arepas, plantain and cassava chips, to exotic fruit cocktails.

“Colombia’s produce is more than just a game-changer; it’s a game-saver. With sustainability as its trademark, Colombian avocados bring quality, fairness, and prosperity to both, families and territories,” Luis Gilberto Murillo, Colombian ambassador to the U.S., said in the elease.

Westfalia plant signals rise of Colombian avocado exports

Thu, 22 Sep 2022 02:14:58 GMT

South African fruit company Westfalia Fruit’s Colombia division has a new avocado processing facility in Sonson, Antioquia, Colombia.

The plant features Compac packinghouse equipment.

A Jan. 18 grand opening brought national and local authorities, including Colombia’s minister of agriculture, the governor of Antioquia and local officials, according to a news release.

The facility extends Westfalia’s hass avocado exporting capacity, a commodity the company first exported in 2012. The company’s Colombia hass export sales grew from $10.3 million in 2015 to $52.9 million in 2017, according to the release. Markets include the United Kingdom, Canada and the U.S.

Colombia’s total exports so far this season are just 130,000 pounds, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Pedro Aguilar-Niño, general manager of Westfalia Fruit Colombia, said in the release that the plant signals an advance in the country’s ability to pack and ship avocados.

“This inauguration is an event of great significance for Colombia’s hass avocado export industry,” he said in the release. “Such an investment on the part of a global company is a sign of great confidence in this country.”

Westfalia expects to triple production with the new plant, one of three company facilities in Antioquia.

The packinghouse has a five-lane Compac Multi Lane Sorter, which can process about 27,500 tons an hour.