COLOMBIA: A SUSTAINABLE AND STRATEGIC FOOD SUPPLIER FOR CANADA

Melanie Houssin from Western Grocer magazine had the opportunity to visit the Columbia booth at SIAL Canada recently and here are some of the key points we learned about Columbia as a food supplier for Canada:

• Colombia is consolidating its position as one of Latin America’s top 10 agri-food suppliers globally. With sustained export growth to North America, the country not only export products, but also exports biodiversity. In 2025, the agri-industrial sector reaffirms its leadership as the main driver of the non-mining and energy trade relationship with Canada.
• In 2025, Colombia’s agri-food exports to Canada reached USD 621 million, representing a strong growth of 52.8% compared to the previous year. This sector is the main driver of the trade relationship, accounting for over 90% of non-mining and energy exports to this market, positioning Colombia as the 5th largest Latin American agri-food supplier to Canada.
• The agri-export portfolio to Canada is led by unroasted coffee beans (USD 458.2 million, +77.4%) and fresh flowers (USD 75.1 million) under sustainability labels, complemented by a dynamic 46% surge in fresh and exotic fruits (USD 18.5 million) such as mango and pitahaya (dragon fruit). This combined offering meets the growing demand for ethical consumption and reinforces Colombia’s role as a strategic partner for Canadian food security, especially during the months of highest dependence on agri-food imports.
• Beyond raw materials, Colombia is consolidating its presence in the Canadian market with a growing range of high-value-added processed foods. From avocado pulp with IQF (Individually Quick Frozen) technology to premium cocoa derivatives, the Colombian industry responds to Canadian demand for functional, convenient, and healthy foods.
• Colombian agriculture is moving toward more inclusive and competitive models, with associations and cooperatives reaching the Canadian market and connecting with consumers who value sustainability, traceability, and origin.
• The Colombian agri-industry combines international experience and global certifications such as Organic, Fair Trade, and Rainforest Alliance, with efficient logistics that guarantee a reliable and consistent supply to Canada.