The avocado industry has experienced sustained growth in recent years, driven by demand in Europe. However, weather conditions, international competition, and new regulations have imposed barriers that producers must overcome to stay in the market.
Frutand exports Hass avocado from Colombia throughout the whole year, ensuring a constant supply to its customers in northern Europe. "We handle fruit all year round," said Federico Álvarez, the company's commercial manager.
The weather was a determining factor in the last season. "Excessive rain generates certain inconveniences," stated Álvarez, pointing out that the rainfall improved the quality of the fruit at certain times, but it also hindered internal logistics. "The rain came at a good time, but also at the most crucial for transportation," he said.
Logistics in Colombia continues to represent an additional difficulty. "We have to work with what we have", he admits, acknowledging the efforts of the transporters to ensure that the fruit reaches the ports of Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Turbo, from where it is shipped to Europe on a journey of approximately 15 days.
The European market is still the main destination, but competition is intense. "When the Peruvian supply fully enters the market, the picture changes," Álvarez stated. With the development of the port of Chancay, the Andean country is becoming even more competitive in shipments to Asia, limiting the opportunities for other exporters to access that continent.
On the other hand, consumption trends have also evolved. "Consumption has increased slightly," Álvarez said. However, he warned that the most significant change comes from new regulations. "Certification and carbon footprint requirements have become much stricter, and sometimes they are not aligned with the consumer's reality."
that they work with both associated producers and their own crops to guarantee an optimal product. Despite the sector's growth, the company still operates without advanced automation: "Everything is manual so far, trusting in nature."
Last season, prices experienced significant variations. "In December prices were low, the market rebounded in January, but not as in other years," Álvarez said, hinting that the outlook for 2025 is still uncertain.
"The most important thing is to preserve quality and find the right calibers for the market," he concluded.
For more information:
Federico Álvarez
Frutand
Colombia
Tel: +57 321 321 811 3124
Email: federico.a@hamptonbusiness.co.uk
www.frutand.com