The Colombian avocado sector closed 2024 with a growth in export volume, driven by favorable weather conditions and the entry into production of new fields. However, the industry still faces significant challenges, especially in logistics and price fluctuations.
"Last year was positive in terms of production and exports. Our volume increased by more than 30% and we began to diversify with other fruits such as gulupa and gooseberry to maintain the operation throughout the year," stated Carolina Prieto, general manager of Green West SAS.
"Despite this progress, November and December were complicated. The market was very difficult, especially for small and medium calibers such as sizes 22 and 24. We reached prices of up to 1 euro per kilo, a critical level for the industry," she said.
"We expect growth of approximately 10% in 2025. The main harvest started earlier. As a result, volumes were higher in 2024 and the season will end sooner this year. We hope to end it before February," she added.
Europe continues to be the main destination but the United States is gaining ground. "Last year we shipped between 30 and 35% of our volume to the United States. We want to continue growing in this market, balancing it with Europe. Its shorter transit times allow the fruit to arrive with a longer shelf life and freshness," the manager stated.
The strategy to mitigate risks includes diversification of destinations and the search for price stability. "The market fluctuates due to external factors such as supply and demand, economic, and geopolitical tensions. Having customers with strong programs and stable business relationships is key," she stated.
Internal logistics in Colombia poses one of the biggest challenges for the industry. "We do not have enough transport routes and there is a shortage of cargo vehicles, which complicates things in high season. In addition, the ports collapse during peak weeks, affecting the freshness of the product and its arrival at its destination," Prieto adds.
In 2024, there were threats of transport strikes in Colombia and the United States, which generated uncertainty in the operation. "At the end, there were no strikes. But these risks affect planning and increase logistics costs," she said.
Despite these challenges, the outlook for Colombian avocados remains promising. "The market has shown signs of recovery in the first weeks of the year and events like the Super Bowl in the US increase consumption considerably. We want to maintain a constant presence in the market so that consumers recognize the quality of Colombian avocado," Prieto said.
For more information:
Carolina Prieto
Green West SAS
Km 21 Autopista MedellĂn-Bogotá
Parque Empresarial Puerta de Oriente, Bodega 2
Guarne, Antioquia
Tel: +57 3146882324
Email: [email protected]
www.greenwest.co