Those involved in the Hass avocado supply chain, and in the agricultural export sector of central-western Colombia in general, have operated for years under a challenging logistical reality: producing in Antioquia, the Coffee Region, or Cundinamarca and then transporting hundreds of kilometers to the northern ports. Today, the biggest infrastructure challenges remain the costs of transporting the crop to the packing plant, but the opening of Puerto Antioquia somewhat mitigates this. For the first time, access to the Caribbean is substantially closer to the production centers, with distance reductions of up to 350 kilometers compared to traditional terminals. In relative terms, public estimates point to distance reductions of 50% to Medellín and 40% to the Coffee Region, with logistical savings for exporters and importers ranging from 33% to 58%, according to Analdex. In other words, a geographical adjustment with direct economic effects. Those in the western part of the country have operated for years under a difficult logistical reality: producing in Antioquia, the Coffee Region, or Bogotá and then transporting goods hundreds of kilometers to the northern ports. Today, infrastructure and cost challenges persist.

From a sectoral perspective, the benefit doesn't come solely from the port's size and technology. Fewer kilometers on land mean fewer hours of land transit, greater punctuality in meeting shipping window deadlines, and, above all, a shorter and more stable cold chain. From the moment an avocado is picked from the tree, this sector becomes a logistics business; for these products, every hour added to shelf life makes a significant difference and can be the difference between a quality claim at the destination and not. Furthermore, savings in logistics time could translate into greater flexibility in the field. Producers can wait to harvest with ideal dry matter percentages, achieving higher quality and price without sacrificing time to market.

On the other hand, although the port is equipped to handle all types of cargo, its natural focus is aligned with the banana sector of Urabá. This explains why four of its six shipping routes are destined for Europe and why it specializes in refrigerated cargo. Its operational configuration makes it a key player in the entire agricultural export basket. Over the last five years, various crops have shown significant growth, including Hass avocados, with a 22% annual increase in volume. Much of this production is concentrated in departments that will now benefit from a substantial reduction in road transport times, thanks not only to the new port but also to its integration with corridors such as Mar 1, Mar 2, the Toyo Tunnel, and the Pacific I, II, and III projects. This territorial connectivity amplifies the logistical impact beyond the dock, making it a real advantage for expanding productive areas and consolidating exports.

The opening of Puerto Antioquia is not at just any time: it comes in a year when the sector's profitability depends on every available efficiency. Reducing onshore transit times and improving the quality of delivered goods strengthens the possibility for more producers and marketers to maintain their activity, sustain profit margins, and continue generating value in the communities where they operate. In an agricultural sector where informal employment approaches 90%, every hectare that becomes exportable requires traceability, certifications, and formal hiring. It is here that infrastructure benefits extend beyond its immediate reach, impacting the entire supply chain from inputs to the final product.

Daniel Jiménez Cardona
Directorate of Sectoral Research in Agroindustry
Bancolombia
dajimen@bancolombia.com.co