On October 29, 2024, the San Cayetano farm, located in the picturesque hills of Antigua Guatemala, will be the setting for a momentous event for the avocado industry: the Origen Guatemala 2024 Convention. With the motto "Cultivating Quality, Exporting Excellence," this meeting promises to bring together the main players in the sector with a clear objective: to consolidate Guatemala as a benchmark in the production and export of Hass avocados.

This event, organized by ANAGUACATE (National Avocado Association), is designed to bring together the main players in the avocado industry with the aim of promoting sustainable agricultural practices, improving product quality and encouraging the expansion of Guatemalan avocado exports, especially the Hass variety.

The convention will include several thematic modules throughout the day, addressing both the challenges and opportunities in avocado production and export. Some of the highlights include:

1. Preparing for Hass Avocado Exports to the U.S. and Other Markets: This module will discuss phytosanitary protocols and case studies from countries such as Colombia and Ecuador. Experts like Jorge Barrenechea, an advisor at Mission Produce, will analyze the requirements for entering the competitive U.S. market.
2. Good Harvesting Practices and International Standards : This session will cover critical aspects of best harvesting practices, maturity indices, and maximum residue limits required by international markets. The presentation will be given by professionals such as Fabian Leoni from Solagro.
3. Packaging and logistics: A crucial topic for ensuring that the product arrives in optimal condition to international markets. Experts will discuss proper packaging and logistics methods, along with the requirements of U.S. Customs authorities, with the participation of figures such as Mario Yarzebski and Jaime Sosa from PIPAA.
4. Requirements of international buyers: One of the key moments of the event will be the panel with representatives of important international companies such as Walmart, Mission Produce and Healthy Avocado, who will discuss the criteria they look for in Guatemalan avocados.
5. Global Avocado Market Overview: New global market trends and key statistics will be presented, providing an insight into the current dynamics of the avocado industry, led by experts such as Sebastián de la Cuadra, CEO of Avobook.

The main objective of the convention is to foster dialogue and collaboration among key stakeholders in the Guatemalan avocado value chain. It aims to prepare producers to meet the demanding quality standards of international markets, promote innovation in production and export processes, and strengthen the position of Guatemalan avocados in the global market.

In addition to presentations and panels, the event will provide spaces for networking among participants, including a luncheon that will facilitate interaction between producers and international buyers.