ORLANDO, FL - Say hello to the newest members of the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB)! Last month, the organization hosted its annual meeting, during which it elected two new Directors: Brian Gomez, Importer Director from GreenFruit Avocados, and Kathryn Mejía Vergel, CAB Vice Chair and Corpohass Director.

“The Colombia Avocado Board congratulates and is grateful to Mr. Gomez and Ms. Mejía for accepting their appointments to the board,” said CAB Managing Director Manuel Michel. “Their participation will be invaluable as we prepare for another record-breaking export year. Our unique growing region allows for the production of avocados year-round, providing stability and consistency for our buyers.”

Gomez of GreenFruit is the newly elected Importer Director replacing Gerardo Huerta of Del Rey Avocado, and Mejía is the newly elected Vice Chair replacing Jorge Restrepo of Corpohass.

The new members will be vital in growing awareness and consumption of Colombian avocados in the United States market, a press release explained. They join a nine-member board, which currently includes:

• Ricardo Uribe, CAB Chair and Exporter Director from Cartama
• Brock Becker, CAB Secretary and Importer Director from Mission Produce™
• Kellen Newhouse, CAB Treasurer and Importer Director from West Pak Avocado
• Mauricio Moranth, CAB Exporter Director from Montana Fruits
• Ricardo Mejia, CAB Exporter Director from Fruty Green
• Sergio Plata Ortiz, CAB Exporter Director from Baika Fruit
• Dustin Hahn, CAB Importer Director from Naturipe Farms

These leaders join the board at a critical time, as import volume to the United States has grown rapidly over the last several years with an estimated 5 percent increase in Hass avocado production this past year, the release noted.

Cheers to these leaders for joining this dynamic team!

Colombia Avocado Board