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IX World Avocado Congress 2019

The team at Mission.
The team at Mission.
Guests were serenaded with traditional Colombian music at the welcome event.
Guests were serenaded with traditional Colombian music at the welcome event.
Delegates were given hats.
Delegates were given hats.
Pedro Pablo Diaz and Jorge Alberto Uribe from Corpohass welcomed guests to the opening event.
Pedro Pablo Diaz and Jorge Alberto Uribe from Corpohass welcomed guests to the opening event.
Tomas Rios Munera, General Manager of AgriLink said how happy he was to welcome so many people to Medellin and was happy that Medellin has become the avocado hub. 
Tomas Rios Munera, General Manager of AgriLink said how happy he was to welcome so many people to Medellin and was happy that Medellin has become the avocado hub. 
Frederico Gutierrez Mayor of Medallin.
Frederico Gutierrez Mayor of Medallin.
The welcoming event was finished off by a stunning performance by Union Latina, a youth acting academy. 
The welcoming event was finished off by a stunning performance by Union Latina, a youth acting academy. 
First day of the congress.
First day of the congress.
Chairman of the board of Directors at Corpohass Pedro Pablo Dias welcomed delegates and the applauded the effort and commitment of the industry, He said that Corpohass wanted to do things properly and could learn from the mistakes made by other avocado producing nations.
Chairman of the board of Directors at Corpohass Pedro Pablo Dias welcomed delegates and the applauded the effort and commitment of the industry, He said that Corpohass wanted to do things properly and could learn from the mistakes made by other avocado producing nations.
Juan David Mondragon Chairman of the Organizing Committee said that they had brought together best in academic minds for the event and hoped delegates could take away knowledge to help over the challenges facing the industry.
Juan David Mondragon Chairman of the Organizing Committee said that they had brought together best in academic minds for the event and hoped delegates could take away knowledge to help over the challenges facing the industry.
Federico Gutierrez Zuluaga Mayor of Medellin said that two decades ago no one wanted to come to Medellin, but now there is a great opportunity with 200,000 ha for planting avocados and access into 45 countries and a 500% increase in exports in just a few years.
Federico Gutierrez Zuluaga Mayor of Medellin said that two decades ago no one wanted to come to Medellin, but now there is a great opportunity with 200,000 ha for planting avocados and access into 45 countries and a 500% increase in exports in just a few years.
Luis Perez Gutierez Governor of Antioquia spoke of a new relationship between business and farmers which would have a big impact on the country, encouraging the building of new infrastructure and much more.
Luis Perez Gutierez Governor of Antioquia spoke of a new relationship between business and farmers which would have a big impact on the country, encouraging the building of new infrastructure and much more.
Andres Valencia the Minister for Agriculture spoke about the recent trade deal with China and the deal which is just about to be signed with Japan which he hopes will happen very soon with the first exports following soon after. He also looks forward to a trade deal with Korea in the near future. Colombia has access to 45 countries around the world for avocados.
Andres Valencia the Minister for Agriculture spoke about the recent trade deal with China and the deal which is just about to be signed with Japan which he hopes will happen very soon with the first exports following soon after. He also looks forward to a trade deal with Korea in the near future. Colombia has access to 45 countries around the world for avocados.
John Rosser spoke future of business in an increasingly impactful and sustainable world.
John Rosser spoke future of business in an increasingly impactful and sustainable world.
Oscar Ivan Patino Giraldo, Katherine Lopez Pretel and Jhonier Arbrey Zuniga Daza at Campofert.
Oscar Ivan Patino Giraldo, Katherine Lopez Pretel and Jhonier Arbrey Zuniga Daza at Campofert.
El Ruiz has been around for 60 years: Gilberto Pulgarin, Duver Rios, Claudia Coronado, Edilberto Leon and Juan Jose Caodavid.
El Ruiz has been around for 60 years: Gilberto Pulgarin, Duver Rios, Claudia Coronado, Edilberto Leon and Juan Jose Caodavid.
Banco Colombia is working with the agriculture sector to promote growth by providing loans and support for farmers and investors: Diego Fernandeo, Weimar Jose Montya Serna and Estiven Zapata Castano.
Banco Colombia is working with the agriculture sector to promote growth by providing loans and support for farmers and investors: Diego Fernandeo, Weimar Jose Montya Serna and Estiven Zapata Castano.
West provides cleaning and sanitary products for the agricultural sector: Oscar Duvan and Astrid Carolina.
West provides cleaning and sanitary products for the agricultural sector: Oscar Duvan and Astrid Carolina.
Dutch packing machine manufacturer AWETA are not yet active in Colombia but hope to be more involved as the avocado sector grows in the coming years and becomes more sophisticated. Norman van der Gaag and Martijn Vriesing.
Dutch packing machine manufacturer AWETA are not yet active in Colombia but hope to be more involved as the avocado sector grows in the coming years and becomes more sophisticated. Norman van der Gaag and Martijn Vriesing.
The team at Jardin.
The team at Jardin.
More members of the Jardin team.
More members of the Jardin team.
Hass Colombia!
Hass Colombia!
Netafim provide drip irrigation systems: Carlos Alfredo Ramirez Bedoya and Eduardo Percovich.
Netafim provide drip irrigation systems: Carlos Alfredo Ramirez Bedoya and Eduardo Percovich.
The team at HamburgSud: Sebastian Hertel, Andrea Ochoa, Elmer Carillo and Marcos Araizaga.
The team at HamburgSud: Sebastian Hertel, Andrea Ochoa, Elmer Carillo and Marcos Araizaga.
Stijn Verstijnen from HDG and Robert Mulder from Cool Control were visiting the congress from The Netherlands.
Stijn Verstijnen from HDG and Robert Mulder from Cool Control were visiting the congress from The Netherlands.
Victor Mauel Alzate Tobon GreenFruit, Sergio Quintero – a Mexican grower of avocados and Pablo Lasso – GreenFruit.
Victor Mauel Alzate Tobon GreenFruit, Sergio Quintero – a Mexican grower of avocados and Pablo Lasso – GreenFruit.
Apeel produces a coating to lengthen shelflife of avocados: Carlos Fernandez, Nick Fitzpatric and Ricky Alamillo.
Apeel produces a coating to lengthen shelflife of avocados: Carlos Fernandez, Nick Fitzpatric and Ricky Alamillo.
Jeremy Burdon from Plant & Health New Zealand spoke about the biology and technology behind market quality.
Jeremy Burdon from Plant & Health New Zealand spoke about the biology and technology behind market quality.
Bevan Jelly from New Zealand Avocado explained how New Zealand have positioned themselves in the Asian market with avocados.
Bevan Jelly from New Zealand Avocado explained how New Zealand have positioned themselves in the Asian market with avocados.
The team at Camposol.
The team at Camposol.
Hazera are looking at getting access to import avocado seeds into Colombia, they are already in many South American markets. Robero Nathan – Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Gail Weizman and Asaf Lazarovich from Hazera.
Hazera are looking at getting access to import avocado seeds into Colombia, they are already in many South American markets. Robero Nathan – Israeli Ministry of Agriculture, Gail Weizman and Asaf Lazarovich from Hazera.
Gerardo Espino, Oscar Rodriquez and Julliana Cotrina from SummitAgro.
Gerardo Espino, Oscar Rodriquez and Julliana Cotrina from SummitAgro.
Carolina Aristizabal, Ivan Botero, Daniela Escobar and Alejandro Velasquex from Smurfit Kappa. The company has replaced the plastic crate with a new recyclable cardboard one with the same 10kg capacity.
Carolina Aristizabal, Ivan Botero, Daniela Escobar and Alejandro Velasquex from Smurfit Kappa. The company has replaced the plastic crate with a new recyclable cardboard one with the same 10kg capacity.
Carolina Aristizabal, Ivan Botero, Daniela Escobar and Alejandro Velasquex from Smurfit Kappa. The company has replaced the plastic crate with a new recyclable cardboard one with the same 10kg capacity.
Carolina Aristizabal, Ivan Botero, Daniela Escobar and Alejandro Velasquex from Smurfit Kappa. The company has replaced the plastic crate with a new recyclable cardboard one with the same 10kg capacity.
Valvilla are a Mexican/US company and have started a joint venture with a Colombian avocado producer. Rodrigo Torres – Valvilla and Santiago Sann Maya from Inversiones Agrobono.
Valvilla are a Mexican/US company and have started a joint venture with a Colombian avocado producer. Rodrigo Torres – Valvilla and Santiago Sann Maya from Inversiones Agrobono.
The team from Stroller – the company produces nutrients and bio-stimulants.
The team from Stroller – the company produces nutrients and bio-stimulants.
Cartama have been growing avocados for twenty years and are currently the biggest producer in Colombia. Ricadro Uribel, Jose Alejandro and Marcela Gomez.
Cartama have been growing avocados for twenty years and are currently the biggest producer in Colombia. Ricadro Uribel, Jose Alejandro and Marcela Gomez.
Tropical Harvest produce powdered fruits – Leon Ramirez and Olga Luz.
Tropical Harvest produce powdered fruits – Leon Ramirez and Olga Luz.
Leonard Felix – Felix Instruments, Narcis Quinart – Interko and Eric Munoz Garcia – Felix Instruments.
Leonard Felix – Felix Instruments, Narcis Quinart – Interko and Eric Munoz Garcia – Felix Instruments.
Alexjandra Largas Cuesta from Pacific Fruit, packers of avocados in Colombia.
Alexjandra Largas Cuesta from Pacific Fruit, packers of avocados in Colombia.
Corteva is an agri science company formed through a fusion of Dow Chemicals and DuPont. Hector Hernan Rincon Botero and Edwin Felipe Corrales.
Corteva is an agri science company formed through a fusion of Dow Chemicals and DuPont. Hector Hernan Rincon Botero and Edwin Felipe Corrales.
Natalia Munoz – ADAMA.
Natalia Munoz – ADAMA.
Milen Villamarin Forero at Hapag-Lloyd.
Milen Villamarin Forero at Hapag-Lloyd.
Smitco provide port logistical solutions for pineapples, bananas, avocados and lemons. Dora Restrepo.
Smitco provide port logistical solutions for pineapples, bananas, avocados and lemons. Dora Restrepo.
Giovanni Cavaletto from Index Fresh talked about quality in the US market.
Giovanni Cavaletto from Index Fresh talked about quality in the US market.
Adrielle Dankier from Nature’s Pride said that there can only be good quality in the market if everyone in the chain does their best.
Adrielle Dankier from Nature’s Pride said that there can only be good quality in the market if everyone in the chain does their best.
Futoshi Teshima – JWM Asia-Japan said that the location of the Far East markets make it a challenge also the control of ripening on arrival in Japan is crucial.
Futoshi Teshima – JWM Asia-Japan said that the location of the Far East markets make it a challenge also the control of ripening on arrival in Japan is crucial.
Adrielle Dankier - Nature’s Pride, Jose Antonio Gomez – Campasol, Giovanni Cavaletto from Index Fresh and Futoshi Teshima – JWM take questions.
Adrielle Dankier - Nature’s Pride, Jose Antonio Gomez – Campasol, Giovanni Cavaletto from Index Fresh and Futoshi Teshima – JWM take questions.
Jen Scoular – New Zealand Avocados spoke about the need for sustainability and the need to share information within the industry.
Jen Scoular – New Zealand Avocados spoke about the need for sustainability and the need to share information within the industry.
Andre Ernst from Allebest South Africa spoke about  his company’s trial to find the best routestock for the Maluma avocado.
Andre Ernst from Allebest South Africa spoke about  his company’s trial to find the best routestock for the Maluma avocado.
Zander Ernst – Allebest told of the merits of trellising and ultra-high density planting.
Zander Ernst – Allebest told of the merits of trellising and ultra-high density planting.
Mary Lu Arpaia from the University of California discussed the pro and cons of new varieties.
Mary Lu Arpaia from the University of California discussed the pro and cons of new varieties.
At a breakfast event hosted by Tomra Compac, CEO Ken Moynihan explained the benefits of Compact’s sorting technology, how they can help improve consistency in avocados as it is the machine which makes the decisions, not people, they are also much more productive and can increase packouts.
At a breakfast event hosted by Tomra Compac, CEO Ken Moynihan explained the benefits of Compact’s sorting technology, how they can help improve consistency in avocados as it is the machine which makes the decisions, not people, they are also much more productive and can increase packouts.
The delegation from New Zealand who are bidding to hold the next World Avocado Congress in 2023. Mexico and Kenya are also in the running. New Zealand won!!
The delegation from New Zealand who are bidding to hold the next World Avocado Congress in 2023. Mexico and Kenya are also in the running. New Zealand won!!
Tim Marshall spoke about future proofing sorting solutions and how a small increase in packouts can make huge difference to profits.
Tim Marshall spoke about future proofing sorting solutions and how a small increase in packouts can make huge difference to profits.
Jacinto Trigo, Regional Director LATAM and Ken Moynigan CEO of Compac.
Jacinto Trigo, Regional Director LATAM and Ken Moynigan CEO of Compac.
Antonio Cabera from Macro Plastics.
Antonio Cabera from Macro Plastics.
The team from NovoAgro, the company produces bio-pesticides for avocados, peppers, blueberries and more.
The team from NovoAgro, the company produces bio-pesticides for avocados, peppers, blueberries and more.
Processmax manufacture filling and processing machines – Jorge Gomez.
Processmax manufacture filling and processing machines – Jorge Gomez.
Maria Yennet Gerente and Carlos Mario, La Aguacatera is a nursery which grow avocado plants.
Maria Yennet Gerente and Carlos Mario, La Aguacatera is a nursery which grow avocado plants.
Jorge Mario Gomez at FinAgro.
Jorge Mario Gomez at FinAgro.
CTI Food Technology is an Italian company which manufactures pitting machines, they already do business around the world and hope enter the Colombian market soon Francesco Ferrara was at the stand.
CTI Food Technology is an Italian company which manufactures pitting machines, they already do business around the world and hope enter the Colombian market soon Francesco Ferrara was at the stand.
Jorge Enrique Restrepo -, Sava Arevalo and Kelly Tatiana – The team from Corpohass.
Jorge Enrique Restrepo -, Sava Arevalo and Kelly Tatiana – The team from Corpohass.
Roger Busquets at Endo Terapia Vegata, the company has system to inject nutrients directly into avocado trees.
Roger Busquets at Endo Terapia Vegata, the company has system to inject nutrients directly into avocado trees.
ConservePack have a tray/packing material which is totally bio-degradable, it is made from the waste product of palm oil and suitable for a whole range of fruit and vegetables. Amirtharaj and Arun Rajah Nagarajan.
ConservePack have a tray/packing material which is totally bio-degradable, it is made from the waste product of palm oil and suitable for a whole range of fruit and vegetables. Amirtharaj and Arun Rajah Nagarajan.
Rodrigo Dominguez from Agrosat which produce satellite technology to measure soil nutrition and also weather stations.
Rodrigo Dominguez from Agrosat which produce satellite technology to measure soil nutrition and also weather stations.
Pro Colombia, an association to promote Colombian exports, helping companies find customers around the world.
Pro Colombia, an association to promote Colombian exports, helping companies find customers around the world.
Eliana Mendez Molano, Gilbert Antonio Higinio Alzate and Adrianan Sanchez Grisales at Agrosavia, they are starting research into pulp extraction in avocados.
Eliana Mendez Molano, Gilbert Antonio Higinio Alzate and Adrianan Sanchez Grisales at Agrosavia, they are starting research into pulp extraction in avocados.
Grupo Phoenix are the largest manufactures of food packaging in South America and believe in adding value to a product using the right packaging. Lorena Fernandez, Tomas Felipe Quiros Rivas, Felipe Uribe and Camilo Mora, CEO.
Grupo Phoenix are the largest manufactures of food packaging in South America and believe in adding value to a product using the right packaging. Lorena Fernandez, Tomas Felipe Quiros Rivas, Felipe Uribe and Camilo Mora, CEO.
Edmundo Romo JBT Mexico and Tony Salas ACM Agro Consulting.
Edmundo Romo JBT Mexico and Tony Salas ACM Agro Consulting.
Maf Roda brought the Global Scan G7 to the event, it measures the external quality of avocados and can be adapted for other fruits. Didier Izard and Pedro Fernandez.
Maf Roda brought the Global Scan G7 to the event, it measures the external quality of avocados and can be adapted for other fruits. Didier Izard and Pedro Fernandez.
Veronica Restrepo Cadavid, Oscar Cervantes and Rafael Macias at Uniban 50.
Veronica Restrepo Cadavid, Oscar Cervantes and Rafael Macias at Uniban 50.
Ignacia Arranz Iglesias at Hiperbaric. The company has system to prolong shelflife of processed foods by up to 60-90 days by using water to create pressure which gets rid of pathogens and enzymes.
Ignacia Arranz Iglesias at Hiperbaric. The company has system to prolong shelflife of processed foods by up to 60-90 days by using water to create pressure which gets rid of pathogens and enzymes.
Zac Bard Chairman World Avocado Organisation introduced delegates to the marketing session.
Zac Bard Chairman World Avocado Organisation introduced delegates to the marketing session.
Timothy Spann from the Californian Avocado Commission spoke about California’s marketing campaigns for avocados.
Timothy Spann from the Californian Avocado Commission spoke about California’s marketing campaigns for avocados.
Alvaro Luke, Avocados from Mexico explained how they has upped consumption of Mexican avocados by first creating a brand and targeting specific groups.
Alvaro Luke, Avocados from Mexico explained how they has upped consumption of Mexican avocados by first creating a brand and targeting specific groups.
Xavier Equilua Avocados from Peru said that food service was the sector with the biggest potential for growth in avocado sales.
Xavier Equilua Avocados from Peru said that food service was the sector with the biggest potential for growth in avocado sales.
Guillermo Aguirre senior avocado buyer at Walmart spoke about his experiences in marketing avocados.
Guillermo Aguirre senior avocado buyer at Walmart spoke about his experiences in marketing avocados.
Mark De Costa Senior buyer for avocados at Costco.
Mark De Costa Senior buyer for avocados at Costco.
Carlos Londono VP and Head of Supply at Chpotle spoke about food safety issues which could kill a brand practically overnight.
Carlos Londono VP and Head of Supply at Chpotle spoke about food safety issues which could kill a brand practically overnight.
Mark De Costa, Gullermo Aguirre, Carlos Londono and Xavier Equihua.
Mark De Costa, Gullermo Aguirre, Carlos Londono and Xavier Equihua.
Xavier Equihua and Adrielle Dankier - Nature’s Pride.
Xavier Equihua and Adrielle Dankier - Nature’s Pride.
Tommy Padilla – Mission Produce said how a few years ago they took a leap of faith into the Asian market and now have good partners in China.
Tommy Padilla – Mission Produce said how a few years ago they took a leap of faith into the Asian market and now have good partners in China.
Peter Zhu – VP Pagoda Group.
Peter Zhu – VP Pagoda Group.
John Wang – Mr Avocado/ Lantao.
John Wang – Mr Avocado/ Lantao.
Juan David Mondragon from Corpohass.
Juan David Mondragon from Corpohass.
Zac Bard – Westfalia
Zac Bard – Westfalia
The Westfalia stand.
The Westfalia stand.
The guys at Austar in a meeting.
The guys at Austar in a meeting.