Colombia has taken a decisive step in the transformation of its agribusiness sector with the inauguration of its first sustainable Hass avocado export plant, the result of a strategic alliance between GreenYellow and Coltrópicos. This infrastructure will help boost the country's capacity to meet the growing international demand.
The plant has been designed with a dual purpose in mind, aiming not just to guarantee the optimal preservation of fresh fruit, but also to expand the export range with value-added products. It features a centralized ammonia refrigeration system, which is helping significantly reduce its carbon footprint. This technology will make it possible to keep up to 217 tons refrigerated, which entails the consolidation of a modern and sustainable cold chain in line with international climate commitments.
In addition to facilitating the export of fresh fruit, the plant also features an integrated industrial processing line for ripening, pulping, and deep-freezing processes for the production of pulp and guacamole for international markets.
Coltrópicos foresees the annual purchase of up to 20 million kilos of avocado and the creation of more than a hundred direct jobs.
Between 2020 and 2024, Colombia exported Hass avocados worth 956.8 million dollars, with a compound annual growth rate of 47.8%. In 2024 alone, sales reached 309.4 million dollars, so the country consolidated as one of the main global players in the sector. With this new infrastructure, the aim is to maintain the pace of expansion and diversify the export portfolio.
The main challenges will be to ensure a constant supply of Hass avocados meeting international quality standards and phytosanitary requirements, optimizing logistics and energy costs, and replicating the model in other producing regions.
The inauguration of this plant symbolizes Colombia's potential to transform its agricultural vocation into a global force by investing in innovation, sustainability, and productive diversification in an expanding market.
Source: prensamercosur.org
