OXNARD, CA - It is no surprise that the country hosting this year’s World Avocado Congress is one that Mission Produce is keeping an eye on. Columbia has long been a focus for the company, and in 2017 Mission Produce partnered with Cartama, Columbia’s largest avocado grower. Now, the grower has announced an ambitious growth agenda in the company, with plans to increase its avocado production in the country over the next two years.

“Colombia will provide us with an added source of year-round, high-quality fruit,” said Steve Barnard, President and CEO. “Our goal is to plant an additional 1,000-1,500 hectares of avocado trees in Colombia. This fruit will supply our domestic and international markets such as the United States and Europe. We will also continue partnering with Cartama to support volume and growth. We are replicating our vertically-integrated, cutting-edge business model in this country.”

Columbia is an exceptional region for avocado production—the country’s growing conditions, market accessibility, and logistical abilities are ideal for this sort of growing operation.

“Colombia is unique in that it offers a year-round supply of fruit. Our country will act as a strong source for global avocados in the coming years,” commented CEO of Cartama Ricardo Uribe, in a press release.

This year’s World Avocado Congress in Medellín, Columbia, further cements the country as an avocado-growing powerhouse, and offers growers and producers a first-hand look at all Columbia has to offer.

“The World Avocado Congress brings people together to explore ideas and support the booming avocado category,” said SVP of Global Information and Industry Affairs Jim Donovan. “We are looking forward to connecting with professionals in Colombia—a country that will further the many opportunities that lie ahead for our industry.”

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Mission Produce