Shipment was part of inaugural voyage of new direct service from Cartagena to Tampa
Colombia’s Equilibria has carried out the first-ever shipment of South American-grown Persian limes to the Port of Tampa. This consignment was part of the inaugural voyage of the new direct maritime route from Cartagena to Tampa, marking a major step forward for Colombia’s agriculture sector and its presence in global fresh fruit markets.
This first container was shipped in alliance with Maersk and US importer Wyco as part of a coordinated operation to connect logistics efficiency with sustainability, traceability, and a shared vision for a responsible global supply chain.
“This operation is about more than just a shipment. It proves that Colombia can deliver sustainability, technology, and social impact in a single fruit—competitively and efficiently,” said Juan Pablo Duque, CEO of Equilibria.
He said Equilibria’s limes are known “for their quality, but above all for being the result of a purpose-driven production model – one built from the ground up to care for the land, respect people, and generate real value for every actor in the supply chain”.
The company’s own farms are GlobalGAP, Smeta and Spring certified, and it ensures full traceability of each fruit – even those coming from small and medium-sized partner growers – through its proprietary EQApp digital platform.
“This traceability allows retailers and consumers who are willing to pay a premium for truly sustainable products to be confident that the added value they pay reaches the producer who followed the right practices,” the company said. “Transparency is not just a tool for control – it’s the foundation of trust and fairness in the food system.”
The launch of this new maritime route between Cartagena and Tampa opens the door to more direct and efficient access to the southeastern US market, improving product freshness and overall quality upon arrival. The connection also strengthens Colombia’s positioning in the international market.
Equilibria began exporting Persian limes to the US in 2024. By the end of the year, the company had shipped 25 containers to the US market. In 2025, the goal is to reach 150 containers, with a five-year vision to scale up to 2,000 containers annually, combining its own production with fruit sourced from partner growers.
Equilibria’s limes will be distributed across key markets in Florida, as well as in the central, eastern, and northeastern US. “We are actively building partnerships with supermarkets, food service companies, and distributors that seek products with clear purpose, verified traceability, and a positive environmental and social footprint,” the Duque said.
“We want to invite conscious consumers and key buyers to support this value chain. This fruit doesn’t just nourish – it transforms lives.”
