The Third Colombian Banana Congress, organized by the Association of Banana Growers of Magdalena and La Guajira (Asbama), brought together 1,734 attendees for two academic and commercial days held on May 22 and 23, 2025, in Santa Marta, Colombia. The event has become a key forum for the banana sector to discuss its main challenges and opportunities, with national and international attendees.
© ASBAMA
One hundred and twenty people from Ecuador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, the United States, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Peru, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela attended the event, showcasing growing international interest in this event. The Congress was also attended by more than 1,600 Colombians from different regions, especially from the department of Magdalena.
The Congress had 29 speakers, including representatives of multilateral organizations such as the World Bank, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Center for International Cooperation in Agronomic Research for Development (CIRAD), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America, as well as executives from companies in the sector such as Fyffes, Tropic Biosciences, Tecbaco and Banasan. The ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands also attended the event.
© ASBAMA
The topics covered in the academic program included plant health, biotechnology, environmental sustainability, technological innovation, export logistics, and the political and economic situation of the agro-industrial sector. These areas reflect the priority issues for an industry facing challenges related to climate change, new phytosanitary regulations, and the evolution of international markets.
The congress also served as a meeting point for producers, unions, technicians, researchers, input suppliers, and government representatives. The attendees included managers, agricultural professionals, small and medium-sized producers, operators, and students.
© ASBAMA
The event had 90 sponsors and 60 exhibition stands. National and international companies showcased their technological solutions, logistics services, and developments in biotechnology and crop management. The attendees had business opportunities and established strategic alliances, although no specific figures were disclosed.
From an organizational perspective, ASBAMA reported that the high attendance generated a significant economic impact for the host city, with benefits derived from the use of tourist, hotel, and transport services, as well as extensive coverage by 35 media outlets and close to 300,000 views on institutional social networks.
© ASBAMA
The Colombian Banana Congress has become a relevant forum for the exchange of technical knowledge and the articulation between the sector's actors. Its continuity and growth reflect the need for specialized spaces where the banana chain's production and marketing challenges are comprehensively analyzed.
The congress reinforced its role as a reference platform in Latin America for the banana sector with a combination of technical presentations, strategic discussions, and direct contact between links in the production chain.
For more information:
Asbama
www.asbama.com
