Colombian avocado exports to grow 50% to the U.S.

Colombian avocado exports show no signs of slowing down in 2024.

Ricardo Uribe, CEO of Cartama, the largest Colombian avocado producer-exporter, told Agraria that he anticipates an increase of 16 to 20 percent in shipments this year, potentially reaching a shipping volume of 141,000 tons.

During the peak of this season, the U.S. market can expect more than 50 containers of avocados weekly from Colombia, with volumes gradually decreasing as the season progresses. This growth is due to constant double and triple-digit annual increases, and the maturation of Colombia’s producing regions.

Today, more than a dozen state-of-the-art packinghouses and more than 400 growers are certified to ship Hass avocados to the U.S. market. Avocados from Colombia are available year-round thanks to the region’s tropical climate, which allows two campaigns: the cross season and the main season, from September to January.

Manuel Michel, executive director of the Colombian Avocado Board (CAB), highlighted that the country has many opportunities, generating economic development with the Hass avocado sector as the spearhead of sustainability efforts. This success is attributed to Colombia’s rich agricultural heritage and its commitment to biodiversity.

“The CAB is excited to be part of the ongoing development and to support avocado growers, exporters and importers as they invest in Colombia and take advantage of their logistical advantage to the East Coast of the United States,” says Michel.

The 2023 season concluded with record shipments exceeding 32 million pounds. By 2024, shipments are projected to increase by more than 50 percent, reaching a total volume of 50 million pounds for the full year.