MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA - We know the avocado category is gearing up to take center stage in the lead-up to the Big Game, and Colombian avocado shipments have had a growing presence in the United States over the past five years.

"Colombian Hass avocados are exported to over 30 countries worldwide, including the U.S., and are recognized for their exceptional quality and flavor,” shared Katheryn Mejía Vergel, Executive Director of Corpohass (Corporation of Hass Avocado Producers and Exporters of Colombia). “Our industry also serves as a beacon of sustainability, embodying three key dimensions: improving the well-being and quality of life for those involved in the value chain, fostering economic growth, and promoting responsible resource management."

Mejía Vergel shared that these opportunities created by the Colombian Avocado industry continue to yield opportunities across the country, flourishing across seven primary regions including; Antioquia, Risaralda, Quindío, Caldas, Valle del Cauca, Huila, and Tolima.

As a recent press release from Corpohass stated, this growth in Colombian avocado shipments is highlighted by the shipment of 1,496 tons of Colombian Hass avocados to the U.S., a 56 percent year-over-year increase during the Big Game promotional period. The Hass avocado is currently the third most exported fruit in Colombia, the company noted, following bananas and plantains.

Between January 22 and February 18, at least 70 containers of Colombian Hass avocados will have been sent to the state to supply U.S. retailers and foodservice operators throughout the country. Hass avocados play an integral role in the weeks surrounding the Big Game, as football fans traditionally enjoy and share snacks and dishes before, during, and after the event.

"Events such as the Super Bowl present a great opportunity for consumers to discover and enjoy the exceptional quality and flavor of Colombia Hass avocados,” comments Mejía Vergel. “It’s also a chance to share the inspiring stories and people behind avocados and highlight the Hass avocado industry’s role in advancing the sustainable development of our country.”

In 2023, the Colombian Hass avocado industry achieved a remarkable 26.3 percent increase in the number of containers exported to various markets around the world, the release noted. In 2024, this growth is expected to continue thanks to continued orchard development and maturity, along with the industry’s efforts to continue positioning Colombia Hass avocados as a pinnacle of sustainability.

The avocado organization predicts that total exports of Colombian Hass avocado will increase by nearly 20 percent in 2024, equivalent to at least 147,244 tons of fruit.

For more updates on the continued growth of the Colombian avocado sector, keep clicking on that little apple logo.