Frozen pulp drives the expansion of Colombian avocados into new markets
Coltrópicos is betting on diversification with its new line of frozen avocado pulp, which will allow it to reach destinations where the fresh product faces logistical limitations.
The recent Colombian Hass avocado harvest season was marked by a challenging competitive environment, influenced by high Peruvian supply that put pressure on international prices and affected both the US and European markets. According to María Isabel Gaviria, general manager of Coltrópicos, current prices remain 10% lower than the same period last year, although the sector projects exporting around 10 containers of fresh fruit per week. The reduction in Peruvian volume opens up opportunities for Colombia to regain market share in Europe and North America toward the end of the year, while Mexico focuses its production on the US market.
The company continues to strengthen the quality of its fruit through nutrition programs, agronomic management, and post-harvest processes, in partnership with Corpohass. It also implements grading technologies such as Tomra's Spectrim system, which analyzes each fruit with up to 150 images, guaranteeing uniformity and consistency. This technological precision has allowed Coltrópicos to consolidate its reputation abroad, earning recognition from buyers who associate its name with a superior standard of quality.
In parallel, the company is diversifying its portfolio with the launch of a new line of frozen avocado pulp, produced using HPP (High Pressure Processing) technology, which extends its shelf life to up to two years. The first shipment is destined for Chile, while agreements are being finalized with clients in the United States, Europe, and Asia. Coltrópicos expects to export approximately 220 containers of this product annually, utilizing undersized fruit and adapting to the needs of each market, from smoothies in Asia to the HORECA channel in Europe. With this initiative, the company seeks to consolidate the presence of Colombian avocados worldwide and demonstrate their potential as a sustainable, nutritious, and versatile product.
Source: freshplaza.es