“This year, Colombia’s overall Tahiti lime production has been better than in recent years, thanks to favorable weather conditions and an increase in plantings over the last decade. Indeed, the acreage devoted to Tahiti lime production in Colombia has increased from around 9,000 hectares ten years ago to around 50,000-60,000 hectares today. This marked a milestone for us, as this year we packed the 1,000th container in our history,” said Ray van Vilsteren, general manager of Orange Export, in Colombia.

However, the manager also pointed to the challenges that Colombian exporters are facing. “Prices for Europe have been under pressure due to the geopolitical situation and competition from Brazil, which doesn’t have access to the United States,” he said.

Against this backdrop, “we have decided to focus our efforts on the U.S. market, where prices are more stable and attractive to producers. In fact, this year the company expects to export around 4,500 tons of organic limes, which represents an increase of 25% compared to last year.

Certification costs and regulations in Europe are another major obstacle. Van Vilsteren said 50,000 euros went last year to certification payments, “but this year that figure went up to 150,000 euros due to adjustments in the organic certification for the European Union.” This has led to a change in strategy. “In general, Colombia has been more focused on the United States, because it is becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to export to Europe,” he said.

Orange Export is working with a Dutch company in the development of reusable polypropylene boxes intended to replace single-use cardboard boxes; a move towards a more environmentally-friendly model. They are also using state-of-the-art optical camera technology to guarantee that exported fruit complies with high phytosanitary standards and avoids rejections due to problems such as scab.

The manager said that, although Tahiti lime production appears to be on the rise worldwide, there are also climatic challenges that could have an impact on the supply globally. “The theory is that there will be enough lime in the world as long as the weather is perfect, but when a producing area suffers drought or extreme rainfall, it opens up opportunities for other exporters,” he said.

Looking to the future, Van Vilsteren is confident that quality and efficiency will be key to sustaining Orange Export’s growth. “We are 100% focused on quality and lowering costs in order to remain competitive. Certifications give us an added value that not everyone can offer,” he said.

Besides Tahiti lime, the company is exploring new markets with organic passion fruit, although volumes are still limited. “We have many hopes for other products, but the political situation in Colombia is holding us back a little, and that will remain so until there is more stability,” he said.

For more information:
Ray van Vilsteren
Orange Export S.A.S.
Santander – Colombia
Tel.: +57 3183084120
[email protected]
www.orange-export.com