Since 2021, Cofex, located in the Dominican Republic, has specialized in marketing fresh fruit for local consumption and export. The company expanded into Europe in 2023, focusing on tropical avocados, pitahayas, and Mingolo mangoes. Alfredo Asjana and Radhamés Díaz, the company's representatives, emphasize that their goal is to capitalize on specific commercial windows and varieties with good logistics tolerance.
Cofex works with green-skinned tropical avocado varieties, such as Semil 34 (August to December) and Carla (December to March), not with Hass. These varieties support maritime shipping due to their extended shelf life. Currently, the company exports three to four containers a week to Spain and France, with smaller shipments to the Netherlands and Italy. "We are focusing heavily on this avocado season," Asjana stated.
© Cofex
The company sees Brazil as its primary competitor in this area. "There is an alternation between the two origins; when one reaches its production peak, the other begins to decline. But during this transition, they compete directly," Díaz stated. He also noted that the Dominican product has better flavor and consistency, but Brazil makes up for it with larger volumes.
Cofex produces red-skinned, white-fleshed, and red-fleshed pitayas. 85% of the production is sold locally. In 2025, the company began exporting pitahayas to Europe, shipping 25,000 kilos. Díaz and Asjana say, "We are in a trial phase, but initial expectations have been exceeded." A key challenge is that the Spanish harvest in July coincides with this period, restricting orders in Southern Europe.
The Dominican Republic's mango offerings include the Mingolo mango, a yellow-skinned variety that must be shipped by air because of its transport sensitivity. It is primarily aimed at ethnic markets in France, England, and Spain, with annual volumes of approximately 250 tons. Originally a niche product for African and Asian communities, Mingolo has seen growing acceptance in the premium market.
Regarding prices, the trends mirror the overall market pattern: prices rise when supply drops. Logistics also impacts final costs, with variations across different markets. "Bringing fruit to Spain is cheaper than to France, which affects the price for the consumer," they stated. Additionally, they highlight that higher purchasing power in France serves as a compensatory factor.
The company acknowledges that products like pitaya are still seen as exotic, but notes a consistent increase in demand. "The market is evolving; there is potential for growth," they state.
For more information:
Alfredo Asjana and Radhamés Díaz
Cofex
Dominican Republic
Tel: +33 6 52 50 58 11
Email: [email protected]
[email protected]
