The recent Colombian Hass avocado harvest season was challenging due to a highly competitive environment, primarily caused by the large supply from Peru. This excess supply affected both the U.S. and European markets, which are Colombia's main destinations. Prices worldwide were under heavy pressure because of the Peruvian oversupply," said María Isabel Gaviria, general manager of Coltrópicos.
"With the main harvest beginning, the sector anticipates a more favorable situation, although current prices remain about 10% below those of the same period in 2024. Nonetheless, we expect to export approximately 10 containers of fresh avocados weekly, continuing our presence in the key markets," she stated.
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The decline in Peruvian supply creates opportunities for Colombia in the European market, while Mexico, the United States' main supplier, focuses its production there. "This will allow Colombian exporters to regain ground in North America by mid-December, when Mexican production starts to fall," she emphasized.
Coltrópicos actively enhances quality directly in the field by partnering with Corpohass on nutrition programs, proper harvest, and post-harvest practices. "The company uses advanced grading technology such as Tomra's Spectrim system, which captures up to 150 images, including infrared, for each fruit to guarantee consistency and quality. Some international buyers exclusively accept Colombian avocados from Coltrópicos due to perceived quality differences," Gaviria stated.
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New opportunities: Frozen pulp with extended shelf life
Besides its traditional exports, the company has launched a strategic project to diversify its offerings by manufacturing frozen avocado pulp, starting in October. "This new line utilizes fruit that doesn't meet export aesthetic standards, converting it into pulp through a state-of-the-art process and HPP (High Pressure Processing) treatment, which prolongs its shelf life by up to two years," she said.
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"Our first purchase order is from Chile, but we are conducting advanced negotiations with clients in the United States, Europe, and Asia. This product, whether made from 100% avocado pulp or customized guacamole according to each client's recipe, will enable us to access markets where fresh avocado cannot reach due to logistical challenges," Gaviria stated. The company aims to export approximately 220 containers annually, averaging about 5 containers per week. Product use is tailored to each market, from smoothies in Asia to the hospitality and foodservice sectors in Europe and America.
In only three years, Coltrópicos has exported approximately 500 containers of fresh avocado, a milestone it will celebrate by sending its first container of frozen pulp at the end of October.
"The Colombian Hass avocado is an environmentally friendly product, with a smaller water footprint compared to those produced in other countries. It is also a versatile fruit, rich in nutrients and full of flavor, making it perfect for a variety of preparations. Our goal is to keep bringing this fruit to more consumers worldwide," Gaviria concluded.
For more information:
Daniela Santos / María Isabel Gaviria
Coltrópicos
Colombia
Tel: +57 311 3639971 / +57 311 3466844
Email: [email protected]
Email:[email protected]
www.coltropicos.com
