Colombia aims to increase the market share of its Hass avocados in the US and Chile markets.
The Ministry of Agrarian Development and Irrigation (MIDAGRI) announced the success of the fifth edition of Territorio Aguacate, an event that brought together more than 3,000 people to discuss trade, knowledge, and specialized technology in the avocado industry. In an interview with Katheryn Mejía Vergel, executive director of Corpohass, the event's conclusions and the future challenges facing the avocado sector in Colombia were discussed.
Territorio Aguacate has gained recognition as an epicenter for Hass avocados in South America, attracting stakeholders across the production chain and promoting the positioning of Hass avocados from Colombia. This year, the event brought together 3,000 global participants, fostering interaction and progress in the avocado sector.
The main findings highlight the need to promote domestic and international consumption of Colombian Hass avocados, emphasizing their flavor and quality. Challenges were also identified in areas such as gender equality in rural employment, phytosanitary development for accessing new markets, and expansion into the US market, where Mexican Hass avocados are the primary supplier. The aim is to establish Colombian avocados as a sustainable and competitive option in this market, although the need to present their value proposition and generate preference before full expansion is emphasized.
Corpohass is focused on improving market access in more than 30 markets and is in talks with Japan and Korea. Regarding the US market, Colombian Hass avocado exports have grown significantly and are projected to reach 14 million kilos by the end of 2023. The country is preparing to differentiate itself in the US market through a sustainability strategy and to showcase its unique offering before establishing a firm foothold.
A commitment to sustainability is fundamental to the industry. Corpohass promotes certifications and leads technical initiatives to guarantee responsible practices and environmental balance in the production of Hass avocados from Colombia.
