West Pak invests in 1,000 hectares in Colombia to guarantee global avocado supply
The Colombian avocado boom has captured the attention of international players seeking to diversify their supply sources based on quality and sustainability criteria. Among them is West Pak Avocado, a leading US importer and distributor of the fruit, which decided more than seven years ago to invest in Colombia as part of its global strategy. The vision behind this decision combines commercial, social, and environmental factors, with the conviction that the Andean country can establish itself as a premium source on the global avocado map.
This was stated by Kellen Newhouse, treasurer of the Colombian Avocado Board (CAB) and Importer & Director of West Pak, who has closely followed the evolution of the sector in the country: “We recognized the need for another country of origin that could provide retailers with a consistent year-round supply, competitive prices, and similar quality and flavor to those already on the market.” With this goal in mind, West Pak established 1,000 hectares of orchards in Colombia, which will begin production in the near future.
Colombia: competitive advantages and sustainability as a pillar
Having two main harvests gives Colombia an advantage over other origins, allowing for a nearly uninterrupted supply. “This allows us to offer stable prices over long periods, which I consider fundamental for retailers and their marketing efforts,” Newhouse emphasized. In terms of consistency and flavor, the company has replicated lessons learned from Mexico and California to ensure that Colombian fruit meets the highest standards: “Colombia has its own challenges, but we have applied past experience to improve the supply chain. I believe the best of Colombia is yet to come.”
Sustainability has been another decisive factor. “It was one of the main reasons for coming to the country,” the executive stated. In this regard, she emphasized that the Colombian industry has built a responsible agricultural model, in which practices such as the limited use of groundwater and the preservation of natural forests set it apart from competitors. In partnership with the CAB, West Pak seeks to highlight these efforts and consolidate a standard that emphasizes the environmental value of Colombian production.
Challenges to consolidating in the US and social projection
Although the window of opportunity is clear, the challenge lies in strengthening Colombia's presence in the United States, the main destination for avocados. “With just seven days in transit to the East Coast, the times are similar to those of other origins in the Northeast. Colombian producers need greater support from local entities to certify more farms for export. Only in this way will we achieve the critical volume necessary to sustain a market as large as the United States,” explained Newhouse.
Beyond the technical and commercial aspects, the executive emphasized the social impact the sector generates in Colombia. “I’ve spent seven years traveling to the country and learning about its culture and its people. Seeing the development in the communities where avocados are grown is very motivating. The benefits extend even to poorer and more remote areas,” she noted. Her long-term vision is emphatic: “Eventually, we will see Colombia consolidate itself as a permanent source of avocados in the U.S. market for many years to come.”
West Pak's investment confirms that Colombian avocados not only have the potential to grow in volume and quality, but also to become an example of sustainability and community development on the global stage.
