COLOMBIA - For consumers, sustainability has become a hot topic. Whether it’s to minimize waste, reduce their carbon footprint, address equity issues, or protect the environment, the concept has become a pivotal selling point when it comes to buying produce. To meet this rising demand, the Colombia Avocado industry, including leadership from Corpohass and ProColombia, is spotlighting the sustainable development of the Colombian Hass avocado industry and how it will benefit the entire supply chain.

“It’s a changing landscape, and shoppers across all generations are willing to spend more for sustainable products, and their willingness increases year after year,” says William Watson, Managing Director of Colombia Avocado Board (CAB). “Retailers that demonstrate sustainable practices, including in their choice of suppliers, drive loyalty and engagement, and they should engage shoppers in the conversation.”

To the buyer’s benefit, that conversation can start in Colombia, a unique geographical location that provides access to both Atlantic and Pacific Ocean shipping ports. This geographic advantage allows quick shipping arrivals of high-quality, fresh products, particularly on the East Coast, with most arrivals in 5–7 days.

I wanted to learn more about what makes sustainability a priority for Colombia Hass avocado industry. Jorge Enrique Restrepo, Executive Director of Corpohass, shared with me that sustainability in the avocado industry is about a commitment from everyone in the value chain.

“Production should allow execution of strategies for productivity, competitiveness, and profitability for growers and exporters while also being environmentally responsible for the Colombian landscape and at a social level with workers, their families and communities, ensuring our long-term viability and our region’s biodiverse ecosystem,” Jorge details.

“Agriculture is important to Colombia and avocados are the country’s fifth largest agricultural export, therefore, maintaining natural resources is essential,” he continues. “We have an obligation to be responsible with the use of land, to avoid its overexploitation, deforestation, and negative consequences such as contamination, climate change, and the spread of pests and diseases.”

To grow the demand for Colombian Hass avocados in the United States, Corpohass promoted the founding of CAB, and helps growers and exporters be more competitive in international markets, to ensure better quality and compliance with phytosanitary requirements and certifications. CAB and Corpohass work to share the unique stories of Colombian avocados.

ProColombia, a government agency that is part of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Tourism, also works to promote the category. The entity is dedicated to supporting international exports, using sustainability as a strategic tool.

“Multiple programs have been developed for entrepreneurs, which include services such as academic or training on sustainability issues,” Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia, details. “This training includes technical assistance, adaptation, or preparation activities aimed at incorporating sustainable practices; advice or generation of action plans to integrate sustainable development methodologies in corporate business models; and programs that contribute to improving the quality of life of underrepresented and vulnerable populations, among others.”

As Colombian avocado exports to the U.S. continue to grow—nearly 500 percent in 2022 compared to 2021—the Colombian avocado industry hopes these programs will give them a competitive advantage worldwide, especially as U.S. consumers seek out products with high quality standards that are environmentally friendly.

“Many Colombian avocado exporting companies have implemented fair-trade practices and certifications like GLOBALG.A.P., SMETA, and others, to meet the needs and requirements of American buyers while improving the quality of life of hundreds of Colombian producers and their surrounding communities,” adds Caballero.

What will come next for the Colombian Hass avocado industry on the sustainability front? Stick with AndNowUKnow for answers.

Colombia Avocado Board Corpohass ProColombia