Colombia: Biggest export obstacles logistics, security and the mentality

"The level of professionalism of exporters in Colombia needs to improve. They need to have a better…

"The level of professionalism of exporters in Colombia needs to improve. They need to have a better understanding of how markets work, the requirements they need to meet, and a willingness to comply them. There is a great demand for avocados, lemons, mango and generally exotic products in Europe. There is a strong and interesting market and an interest in all Colombian products," said Piet Schotel, a Dutchman who led the Consumer trends and requirements for fruits in the European market seminar.

Fruit producers from Huila and students related to marketing and agribusiness attended Wednesday's Seminar, which was organized by ProColombia (export training program), the governor of Huila through the Office of Productivity and Competitiveness, and the Association of Colombia Fruit and Vegetable industry (Asohofrucol). The expert said that the main obstacles Colombians had to reach the Old Continent were logistics, security and the entrepreneurs’ mentality.

Meanwhile, Maria Claudia Lacouture, president of ProColombia, told Diario del Huila that, "Huila has one the biggest potential to export fresh fruits in the country because of its diversity of soil types, the area suitable for cultivation, and the global demand for healthy products, especially in markets that are willing to pay higher prices for these products, such as the EU, Canada, and the United States."

True stories
Piet Schotel also indicated that the European market was constantly growing (75% concentrated in supermarkets) and stressed the importance of communication to win buyers. "Communication is very important in general, people are interested in knowing all about the products. The story that is told has to be real. Producers shouldn't raise expectations that they can't meet. They should clearly state what they have," he said.

The expert also spoke about quality and added value issues. "There is a higher demand and higher revenues for convenience products (those that are ready to consume and that are frequently used). They can be prepared, pre-cooked, cut, packaged as snacks, etc.," he said while showing some examples of foreign companies.

He also stated that the seminar and, in general, growth policies of non-traditional exports were always essential. "Everything that is done to promote exports is good, what is important is that the Government become a facilitator and everything it can do to increase foreign trade is welcome."

In this regard, Lacouture added that, "knowing Huila's fruit supply potential, I'd like to encourage producers to export. It is time to do so, in addition to the opportunities and benefits that trade offers, such as higher income and growth, they have the support of the Government. They'll find in ProColombia an ally with all the tools suited to their needs, market information and export support throughout the process." He also recalled that Huila had the opportunity to export fruits to Belgium, Switzerland, Russia, Austria, Sweden, USA, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Finland, Slovenia, United Kingdom, Denmark and Slovakia.