In the verdant mountains of El Retiro, Antioquia, a dream was born that today exports flavor, quality, and social development to the world. Under the leadership of Ricardo Mejía, general manager of Fruty Green, this Colombian company has woven a story of family tradition, technological innovation, and a global vision around the cultivation of Hass avocados.

From the family farm to the international market

Ricardo Mejía's path in the world of avocados is deeply rooted in the land where he grew up. “My father was a farmer his whole life. That's where my love for agriculture was born,” he recalls. He had a farm in El Retiro—our hometown—and that's where it all began.

With a background in Business Administration and experience in logistics and imports, Ricardo took the helm at Fruty Green at a pivotal moment. Until then, the company had been solely a producer. The transformation came with a key decision: to integrate exporting as part of the business model. Thus, in 2016 they made their first shipment to Spain, and in 2017, they fully committed to the international market.

Behind Fruty Green's growth lies a bold vision. The company's founding by two entrepreneurs from Antioquia, committed to the potential of avocados, was the first major step. Their participation in international conferences in Australia, Chile, Peru, and Colombia allowed them to absorb knowledge and apply it effectively.

The development of their own packing facility in 2019 marked another defining moment. “For two years we worked with Jardín Exotics, which provided us with contract manufacturing services. It was a key learning period,” explains Mejía. Since then, Fruty Green has strengthened its infrastructure and positioned itself as a relevant player in the European, Asian, and increasingly, US markets.

Colombia: a new epicenter of avocado

In less than two decades, Colombia has emerged as a strategic player in the global Hass avocado market. Its ability to produce year-round, combined with favorable agro-climatic conditions and a focus on quality, has made it a reliable alternative for countries that demand premium fruit.

Fruty Green has been an active part of this consolidation. “While previously 90–100% of our exports went to Europe, by 2025 we project that between 30% and 40% will go to the United States,” says Mejía. Coordination with institutions such as Corpohass and the Colombia Avocado Board has been key to positioning Colombian fruit with international standards.

In an increasingly demanding industry, technology is becoming an indispensable ally. Fruty Green has incorporated digital tools for phenological monitoring, field data analysis, and precise agronomic decisions. Drones, sensors, and advanced spraying systems allow them to maintain productivity without compromising crop health.

At the processing plant, the environmental commitment translates into concrete actions: 33% of the energy comes from solar panels, and rainwater is collected and reused, reflecting a philosophy of sustainability that permeates the entire operation.

The demands of markets like the United States and Europe require more than just good fruit: they demand traceability, food safety, and ethical practices. Fruty Green complies with certifications such as GlobalG.AP, Rainforest Alliance, SMETA, and FSMA, guaranteeing high standards of quality and social responsibility.

“More than selling avocados, we seek to build lasting relationships based on trust,” Mejía emphasizes.

Growth with purpose

Fruty Green's impact goes beyond the economic. In historically vulnerable regions, the company promotes formal employment, inclusive practices, and community strengthening. "We believe that true growth is that which improves people's lives," says the general manager.

This philosophy is reflected in his vision for the future: to consolidate a legacy of transparency, commitment, and excellence. “Colombia is no longer just a promise: it is a reality with high-quality fruit and significant volumes,” he says with conviction.

With clear expansion goals, especially in the demanding US market, Fruty Green is committed to sustainable growth without compromising the quality that sets them apart. Their main campaign, which ran from September 2024 to March 2025, was historic for the company: they exported more fruit than ever before.

“This is our moment. At Fruty Green, we are ready to continue cultivating not only avocados, but a legacy that connects the Colombian countryside with the world,” concludes Ricardo Mejía.