Market
Fresh table grapes in Colombia are primarily supplied through imports, with UN Comtrade data (via WITS) showing substantial HS 080610 imports and very small exports. Imports are concentrated from Peru and Chile, making Colombia an import-dependent consumer market for fresh grapes. Domestic grape cultivation exists but appears limited relative to import volumes, with grape-and-wine activity noted in Valle del Cauca (e.g., La Unión/Norte del Valle). Market pricing and availability are influenced by cold-chain performance and inland freight conditions into major wholesale markets monitored by DANE’s SIPSA and Corabastos price bulletins.
Market RoleNet importer (import-dependent consumer market)
Domestic RoleDomestic fresh consumption market supplied by imports with limited domestic cultivation.
SeasonalityImport availability often aligns with Peru’s table-grape export campaign (Oct–Apr), which includes shipments to Colombia; importers typically use multi-origin sourcing to smooth supply outside peak windows.
Risks
Phytosanitary HighMarket access can be abruptly disrupted if ICA identifies quarantine-pest risk linked to a supplying country or detects non-compliance at the border; ICA may annul a DRFI’s validity upon the appearance of quarantine pests for Colombia in the exporting country, and shipments can be delayed, rejected, or require additional measures.Secure ICA requirements (DRFI when required) before shipment, align the exporting NPPO phytosanitary certificate to the DRFI, and use suppliers with robust pest-management and pre-shipment inspection/treatment capability; monitor ICA quarantine communications for changes.
Documentation Gap MediumDocument errors or inconsistencies (e.g., DRFI validity/format issues, mismatches between certificate and shipment details) can trigger holds and delay nationalization; ICA notes that any amendments invalidate the DRFI and it applies to a single shipment within its validity period.Run a pre-shipment document reconciliation checklist (DRFI, phytosanitary certificate, invoice/packing list, transport document) and confirm DRFI validity window and single-shipment scope.
Cold Chain MediumFresh grapes are quality-sensitive to cold-chain breaks; inadequate temperature and humidity management increases dehydration (stem drying/browning) and quality loss, raising rejection/claims risk in wholesale and retail channels.Maintain -1 to 0°C storage temperature with high RH through transport/holding, minimize dwell time at port and in inland trucking, and use temperature monitoring for accountability.
Logistics MediumInland freight and logistics volatility can affect landed cost, timing, and market pricing; Corabastos-facing price bulletins explicitly note price instability can be driven by freight costs.Use contracted refrigerated inland transport with contingency routing, schedule arrivals to reduce dwell time, and build buffer for clearance and inland delivery to major markets.
FAQ
Is Colombia mainly an importer or exporter of fresh grapes?Colombia is mainly an importer of fresh grapes. UN Comtrade data via WITS shows Colombia imported about US$37.20 million of fresh grapes (HS 080610) in 2023, while its recorded exports were very small in 2024.
Which countries supply most of Colombia’s fresh-grape imports?Peru and Chile are the top suppliers. In 2023 (HS 080610), Colombia imported about US$27.79 million from Peru and about US$7.43 million from Chile, according to UN Comtrade data via WITS.
What phytosanitary documents are commonly required to import fresh grapes into Colombia?Imports must comply with ICA phytosanitary requirements. ICA indicates that importers may need an ICA Documento de Requisitos Fitosanitarios para Importación (DRFI) obtained via SISPAP (when required) and a phytosanitary certificate issued by the exporting country’s authority; ICA also reviews shipment documentation and conducts inspection at entry before nationalization proceeds.