Market Penetration Strategy
Production Supply Chain
Seasonality of Main Producing Regions
Trade Overview
Who Are the Main Importers of Colombian Avocado?
The top destinations for Colombian Avocados are the Netherlands, the UK, Germany, Spain, France, and Norway. With Colombia being the #1 avocado supplier to Europe, Colombian avocado exporters are also searching for new markets to penetrate Asia, the Middle East, and North America.
Some notable growing importers of Colombian Avocados include the USA, Estonia, and Luxembourg.
There is a rising demand for Colombian Avocados in Europe, which has been the fastest-growing importer in the last 5 years (2016-2020) (ex. Spain +2509.49% / Germany +1801.07%)
The Colombian advantage in exporting to European Ports is that it takes only 18 days to ship. Despite short shipping times, avocados tend to sell at higher prices because Colombian exporters have become accustomed to exporting directly to European supermarkets.
Source: Tridge Trade Data
Quality Control/Certification
What are the Required Documents to Export Colombian Avocado?
1. Register with the ICA as an exporter of fresh fruit
This registry allows the exporter to obtain the phytosanitary certificates of the fruits required by the purchasing countries.
The ICA has offices throughout the country, to which the interested party can go according to their geographical location.
To obtain this registration, you must first make sure that you comply with the following requirements:
- A natural or legal person must include in the RUT, in its economic activity, the marketing of fresh fruit as its object or corporate name.
- The fruits to be exported must be fresh and originate from properties that have a valid registration in the ICA.
2. Obtain the registration of the property for the production of fresh fruits before the ICA.
It is important to take into account that for the production of fresh fruits destined for export, the property in which they are produced must have an infrastructure that at least has clearly defined lots or areas and that they are intended for the commercial technical production of the different species and varieties in their different phases, an aseptic treatment area of vegetable waste for the proper disposal of harvest waste.
3. Apply for the phytosanitary certificate
The phytosanitary certification depends on the requirements of the destination country of the fruit, if it does not require it, the exporter can request it voluntarily.
4. Health Inspection Certificate (CIS)
The health inspection certificate is issued by the health authority of the port of departure, it is issued in production batches or shipments, and the procedures are carried out through the National Institute of Medicines and Food (Invima).
5. Finally, you must consult with the Dian the permits that your product (fruits and vegetables) must comply with for export, after processing them, you must go to the Dian to request the boarding authorization in the computer system of the Directorate of National Taxes and Customs (Dian)
General Product Introduction
What Are the Export Trends for Colombian Avocados?
- In the last 5 years, Colombian avocado exports have grown 433%. In just 2020, the Colombian avocado market grew 73%.
- In 2013, Colombia stepped into the lucrative avocado export market. Ever since, Colombia has made efforts to aggressively extend its destination markets, with its compound annual growth rate (CAGR) at 100% over the past 8 years.
- Although Colombian avocado export volumes are ranked 6th overall, Colombian avocados have found growing favor with European buyers.
- Among European avocado buyers, Colombian avocados ranked 4th for product quality, following Chilean (1st), South African (2nd), and Peruvian (3rd) avocados.
- The main export season for Colombian Avocados is September through March, but Colombian farmers can harvest and export all year-round. Colombian Avocados have the potential to play a critical role in supplying to global food services, particularly for their high maturity levels throughout the year, compared to those of other countries. The best quality Colombian Avocados are produced between December to April.
Source: Trade Map