In the first nine months of 2021, Colombia exported 69,629 tons of avocado, i.e. 35% more than the 51,565 tons it exported in the same period of the previous year.
The value of exports increased strongly. Exports of this fruit in the first nine months of 2020 to 96.28 million dollars. In the same period of this year, they increased by 63% to 156.65 million dollars.
Jorge Restrepo, the director of CorpoHass, said the country had shipped its first container of avocados in 2009. Now, only 12 years later, this product is already one of the country's top agricultural export products.
Restrepo said that, in the past four years, seven markets had been opened for the country's Hass avocado: the United States, Argentina, China, Japan, Peru, Korea, and Chile (which still is in the process of ratifying this opening for the Colombian Hass avocado). However, according to official figures, Colombia's main clients are in Europe; in fact, the country's Hass avocado's top six destinations are in Europe.
The Netherlands was the main destination and received 37,024 tons worth 85 million dollars between January and September. It was followed by the United Kingdom, with 9,616 tons and 22.7 million dollars, and Spain, with 8,221 tons and 15.6 million dollars.
Belgium purchased 4,538 tons worth 10.5 million dollars, France demanded 3,723 tons worth 8.7 million dollars, and Germany purchased 2,100 tons for 4.7 million.
According to CorpoHass, the number of producers in Colombia who transform the fruit into by-products, such as pulp and guacamole, has increased. In addition, they are innovating, integrating the product into new lines, such as breakfasts, snacks, and desserts.
Source: elcolombiano.com