Colombia Avocado Board Celebrates Free Trade Agreement 10th Anniversary; William Watson, Ricardo Uribe, and Jorge Restrepo Comment
ORLANDO, FL - Celebrations are in order as the 10thanniversary of the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the United States and Colombia recently passed. The Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) gathered with industry leaders from Colombia and the U.S. in Washington, DC, to discuss success stories of trade and investment between Colombia and the U.S.
“This was a great opportunity for members of CAB to meet with industry leaders and gain insights into how we can further strengthen relationships between Colombian growers and exporters, and U.S. importers, as we continue to highlight opportunities within the growing avocado category, as Colombian exports grow,” said William Watson, Managing Director.
As a prominent global avocado exporter, Colombia has made significant investments in the Hass Avocado industry. The partnership proves advantageous for the U.S. as the consumption of avocados continues to grow and Colombia offers close proximity to freight and a focus on sustainability.
“It’s clear that the American consumer’s appetite for avocados isn’t decreasing, and we believe U.S. retailers and foodservice providers are eager for more market solutions for avocados,” Ricardo Uribe, Chairman of CAB, said in a press release from the organization.
Colombia has been a bi-lateral partner with the U.S. for 200 years, and the FTA is another example of a strong global partnership between countries of shared values, the press release noted.
Jorge Restrepo, Vice Chairman of CAB, also commented on the celebration.
“Companies in the United States need to re-analyze their supply chains to look for like-minded partners that can meet their supply needs and address issues around cost, quality, logistics, speed to market, reliability, and sustainability to name just a few, and we believe Colombia can be that partner,” said Restrepo.
Restrepo continued, “Considering the strong partnership between the U.S. and Colombia, the investments made to grow the Hass avocado industry in Colombia, and the direct access to shipping ports on the East Coast of the U.S., I can say these are exciting times for the avocado industry in Colombia. Colombia is an ecologically diverse country that provides the perfect avocado growing conditions. The innovations we’re making and our focus on sustainability, equity, and the environment, make for exciting times in the Colombia avocado industry, and we are eager to show U.S. suppliers what Colombia has to offer.”
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