Jorge Molina
Week 35: The Colombian wave is already being felt
Colombia
We are thrilled to see export volumes from Colombia growing and projected week by week. The European market remains the primary destination. We are already talking about 35 to 40 containers projected to depart in at least the next two weeks, with the hope that this growth will be more than linear—hopefully exponential!
As a result, we're seeing field purchase offers averaging around $4,200 per kilogram for fully certified fruit. Larger producers are asking around $5,800, although we know this isn't the standard in Colombia; medium-sized producers are asking around $4,500, and small producers around $3,000. This is good news for producers who currently have fruit, as they're receiving faster and higher returns than usual for this time of year.
The top five exporters and packing companies are increasingly making their mark with their volumes, but an opportunity is also opening up for the exporters we've called "swallows"—those who take advantage of the upcoming favorable market conditions, with a window of good prices that historically can extend until week 43 of arrivals. A familiar refrain from mothers, urging everyone to maintain quality throughout the entire supply chain.
As has historically occurred, the average caliber curve may be around 20% for large ones, 45% for medium ones, and 35% for small ones.
As for the weather, it's still warm and we're observing how the fruit is progressing, which is also giving us clues about how the main harvest might behave.
An important point we've been discussing in recent columns is the competition for fruit among the domestic market, processors, and exporters. This situation has led producers to learn to diversify and, in some cases, to take full advantage of the various market opportunities that arise.
It's a bit early to determine how Colombia's crop will perform in 2027, but it's important to keep an eye on it. The effects of the weather, flowering, and tree nutrition will show us whether we'll have a normal harvest, one similar to this year's, or, who knows, some additional surprises.
We are at an important moment to raise awareness and use the practices required to ensure export quality, achieve adequate dry matter content, and above all, not fall into the temptation of filling containers simply for the sake of filling them.
Because in this business, it's not all about volume. Quality pays off too.
See you next week.
Jorge Molina Duque
Operations Manager, Quality Studio CO
jorge.molina@qualitystudio.cl
Colombia
