In a remarkable display of agricultural prowess, Colombia’s fruit exports, excluding bananas, have surged by 29% in the first four months of 2024. This impressive increase, from $156 million last year to $201 million, underscores the growing global demand for high-quality Colombian fruits, according to the Colombian Institute of Statistics (DANE).
Key contributors to this growth include Hass avocados, which saw a 28% rise in exports, and Tahiti limes, with an outstanding 57% increase. Other fruits such as gulupa (a type of passion fruit), gooseberries, and mangoes also showed significant positive variations. Javier Díaz Molina, president of the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex), emphasized Colombia’s unique advantage of year-round fruit harvesting, which contributes significantly to the non-mining-energy sector with 2.9% of total external sales.
Maintaining this momentum requires meeting phytosanitary standards in key destination markets. Jorge Riaño, manager of Novacampo, highlighted the vital role of public and private sector collaboration in overcoming export challenges. Currently, Colombia exports fruits to over 50 countries, with the Netherlands, the United States, Belgium, the United Kingdom, and Spain being the main destinations. Notably, exports to Belgium and the United States have increased by 233% and 73%, respectively.
The departments of Antioquia, Cundinamarca, Risaralda, Santander, and Valle del Cauca are the primary growing regions, with Antioquia leading the surge in exports.
This positive trend in Colombia’s fruit exports reflects the country’s commitment to quality and its strategic efforts to enhance its position in the global market. The impressive performance is a testament to the dedication of Colombian farmers, the effectiveness of public and private sector partnerships, and the increasing global recognition of the country’s agricultural products.
As Colombia continues to expand its reach and improve its export processes, the future looks promising for its fruit industry, offering substantial economic benefits and strengthening its position as a key player in the global agricultural market.