"Our automated sorting technology is what sets us apart. We use a Tomra brand automatic optical sorting system called Spectrim (Machine Learning), which takes 150 photos of each avocado or Tahiti lime we process in it. To date, we have collected more than 12 billion images. This provides us with a strong database that allows us to make informed decisions and provide good advice to our affiliated growers," stated Daniela Santos and María Isabel Gaviria, commercial director and general manager, respectively, of Coltrópicos Colombia.
"This state-of-the-art technology allows us to guarantee consistent quality. The selection is precise and uniform, allowing us to make the most of as much fruit as possible. This differentiates us from other packing companies in the sector that still rely on manual sorting," they pointed out.
"Coltrópicos began operations in 2022 and has managed to export avocados to Europe and the United States, helping to strengthen the image of the Colombian Hass Avocado abroad. In 2024, we shipped almost 200 containers, and we expect to export more than 300 this year, in line with the company's growing positioning and the sector's expansion. Europe is our biggest market, but the US is becoming more important every year," they stated.
"In addition to the logistical difficulties, such as finding sufficient transport capacity to ports and shipping companies, we also face market issues. Prices in the international market fluctuate a lot due to competition, changing availability, and new players. In recent months, for example, we have seen Morocco surprisingly emerging as a producer of Hass avocados, which has had a major impact on the market," stated Daniela.
"Our real competitors are the other countries that produce Hass avocados. That's why producers, packers, and exporters need to work together to consolidate the strengths of Colombian avocados, such as having year-round availability, excellent taste, and a sustainable cultivation process," Gaviria stated.
"By 2025, the company aims to make better use of fruit that is not suitable for export, generating added value by inaugurating a new production line to offer the world guacamole and frozen avocado pulp. In this new process, Coltrópicos is also betting on technology, with state-of-the-art ripening chambers and a high-pressure preservation process (HPP). This will allow us to offer a natural product, with no preservatives, that can have a shelf life of 60 days in the refrigerator or 2 years in the freezer; which means we can reach any market in the world," Daniela stated.
Faced with a market that is constantly changing and with the uncertainty about import tariffs, the company is keeping a close eye on developments. "We are alert to any changes in tariffs or admission regulations that may affect our competitiveness against other producing countries," they concluded.
For more information:
Daniela Santos
Coltrópicos Colombia
Tel: +57 311 311 3639971
Email: direccioncomercial@coltropicos.com
www.coltropicos.com
María Isabel Gaviria
Coltrópicos Colombia
Tel.: +57 311 3466844
Email: mariagaviria@coltropicos.com
www.coltropicos.com