Mission Produce has outlined what it has described as a 'staggering growth agenda' in Colombia, including plans to ramp up avocado production within the next two years.
It means that Mission is looking to build on its partnership with Colombia's largest avocado grower Cartama, a move announced back in 2017.
“Colombia will provide us with an added source of year-round, high-quality fruit,” said Mission Produce’s president and chief executive Steve Barnard. “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 US 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.”
Mission Produce has high expectations for Colombia, regarding the South American country as 'perfectly situated' and an ideal source for producing avocados because of its growing conditions, market accessibility and logistical capacity.
“Colombia is unique in that it offers a year-round supply of fruit. Our country will act as strong source for global avocados in the coming years,” added CEO of Cartama Ricardo Uribe.
In addition, Mission Produce is a platinum sponsor of the World Avocado Congress hosted in Medellin, Colombia next week.
“The World Avocado Congress brings people together to explore ideas and support the booming avocado category,” said sr vice-president of global Info 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.”
