The company presented innovations that optimize processes, reduce losses, and strengthen the competitiveness of Colombian avocados in international markets.

The seventh edition of Territorio Aguacate, held on November 5th and 6th in Medellín, solidified its position as the most important gathering for the avocado industry in Latin America. AgroFresh Solutions, a global leader in post-harvest technologies, participated in this event to reaffirm its commitment to strengthening the Colombian sector through solutions that integrate sustainability, technology, and operational efficiency.

The main objective of AgroFresh's participation was to show its commitment to the development of the Colombian avocado sector through tools that improve profitability, reduce losses and guarantee the quality of the fruit until its final destination. According to Fernando Balart, Regional Marketing Manager of AgroFresh, “we wanted to convey a clear message: technology is a strategic ally for positioning Colombian avocados in international markets, guaranteeing quality, traceability, and sustainability throughout the value chain. Our proposal is not limited to products, but integrates services, data, and automation, supporting the producer and exporter at every stage of the post-harvest process.”

Innovations for a more efficient and sustainable post-harvest

During the event, AgroFresh presented a set of solutions designed specifically for avocados, including the Control Tec line, which automates and optimizes application, washing and sanitizing processes in packing plants. Among the most outstanding developments are the Control Tec Applicator ULV, which guarantees uniform coverage and precise dosing of fungicides, and the Control Tec Eco Washer, capable of reducing water consumption by up to 90%, aligning with the environmental standards required by international markets.

Another innovation presented was VitaFresh™ Botanicals, a plant-based post-harvest coating that protects the fruit's skin, maintains its weight and extends its shelf life, a key advantage for exporters facing long logistical journeys to Europe or Asia.

AgroFresh also showcased the potential of its digital solutions through the integration of Escavox and its FreshCloud™ platform, which enables real-time monitoring and traceability of avocado conditions during transit. These tools, Balart explained, “facilitate technical and commercial decisions based on accurate data, strengthening the sector's competitiveness in international markets.”

The solutions presented by AgroFresh all aim for the same goal: to reduce waste and maximize the profitability of the supply chain. Through technologies such as Eco Washer, the company promotes more responsible water use practices; with VitaFresh™ Botanicals, it extends the shelf life of avocados; and through FreshCloud™, it facilitates the digital management of post-harvest information, ensuring traceability and transparency throughout the value chain.

“Each innovation is geared towards the same purpose: reducing waste and maximizing the sector's profitability, ensuring that more fruit arrives in perfect condition to international markets,” Balart emphasized.

AgroFresh identified that the main challenges for avocado producers and exporters include maintaining fruit quality during transit to international markets, considering its high physiological sensitivity and prolonged transport times. These challenges are compounded by operational efficiency, food safety and traceability, key factors for the global competitiveness of Colombian avocados.

In response, the company proposes automation and control technologies — such as the Control Tec Ultra Sanitizer or the Applicator PAA — that improve sustainability, reduce dependence on manual labor, and guarantee consistency in product quality.

AgroFresh's participation in Territorio Aguacate reinforces its mission to support producers and exporters on their path towards a more profitable, efficient and sustainable agribusiness. In the words of Fernando Balart, “we will continue to promote innovation with a long-term vision, so that the avocado remains a symbol of the agricultural potential of Colombia and the region.”