The Guatemala Produce Trade Association (GPTA) is celebrating its 10th anniversary. The association aligns U.S. importers and industry service providers with the goal of positively impacting the trade of Guatemala-grown produce exported to the U.S.
"In October 2025, we'll celebrate our anniversary," said Priscilla Lleras, executive director of GPTA. "We have been able to unite the industry's top importers of Guatemalan fruit and vegetable products to support growth and stimulate brand awareness within the industry for Guatemalan produce."
The annual GPTA 2025 Association meeting was held at the World Trade Center on May 16th in Miami, Florida - members discussed statistics, trade, and logistics, focusing on Guatemala's agricultural trade with the United States. In the meeting, members discussed how Guatemalan produce complements U.S. production by filling in seasonal gaps and providing diverse options, enabling retailers and food service providers to meet the U.S. consumer's demand for year-round availability.
"The fresh produce sector is unique," said Robert Colescott, CEO of Southern Specialties and co-chairman of GPTA. "While tariffs on manufactured goods may encourage domestic production, this principle does not apply to agricultural trade. The United States lacks the necessary combination of arable land, climate, labor, and water resources to meet the demand for certain fresh produce throughout the entire year."
U.S. Department of Agriculture/FAS statistics indicate that import quantity variances for processed fruits have increased by 34 percent, while fresh has slightly decreased by three percent year-over-year. The report added that vegetable variances for the fresh category have remained flat year-over-year, while processed vegetable imports have increased by 17 percent.
During the meeting, Natalia Samayoa, trade commissioner for Guatemala, who is based in Miami, FL, presented how total exports of produce to the U.S. from January to December 2024 amounted to USD 2.8 billion. "The fruit and vegetable industry in Guatemala is responsible for creating over 840,000 jobs," said Samayoa. "Guatemala is forward-thinking by implementing strategic goals to increase trade by advancing and gaining access to the U.S. market with Guatemala's avocados."
"Guatemala possesses a competitive edge in providing U.S. retailers and foodservice establishments with specialty fruits and vegetables," said Lleras. In 2024, Guatemala supplied the United States with over 180 million pounds of vegetables and more than 5.8 billion pounds of fresh fruits, based on USDA/FAS statistics.
In anticipation of the anniversary, Jay Rodriguez, CEO of Crystal Valley Foods and co-chairman of GPTA, addressed how the association has facilitated networking among U.S. importers. "It has served as a platform to address opportunities for maximizing trade, increasing visibility, and expanding the market share of produce from Guatemala," he said.
For more information:
Priscilla Lleras
Guatemala Produce Trade Association
Tel: +1 (817) 793-3133
[email protected]
www.GuatemalaProduceTradeAssociation.com