Colombian bananas continue to strengthen their role as one of the country’s key products in European markets. Emerson Aguirre, president of the Association of Colombian Banana Growers (Augura), emphasized during his participation in Fruit Attraction that the sector not only exports fruit but also “opportunities and development for Colombia”.

© Augura

Aguirre explained that sustainability, considered from social, environmental, and labor perspectives, is central to the country’s banana industry. “Colombia has more than 38 years of social dialogue with its workers, building decent employment conditions. This is what European markets are looking for today, fruit with traceability, but also with labor justice,” he said.

The leader emphasized that every box of bananas represents investment in education, infrastructure, and community welfare. “Even though we are in the private sector, our commitment to regional development is permanent,” he added.

© Augura

However, sustainability is becoming increasingly costly. One of the main challenges in the sector, according to Aguirre, is over-certification. “We have more than eleven certifications per product. If we were to put all the seals on a banana, it would look plastic-coated,” he said ironically. In his view, excess requirements lead to cost overruns that are not reflected in the price paid to the producer.

Added to these costs are security expenses resulting from deteriorating public order in some producing areas and efforts to comply with phytosanitary protocols to address threats such as Fusarium R4T. Climate change also impacts production, increasing black sigatoka pressures and changing cycles.

Regarding prices, Aguirre expects a tighter outlook for the next six months: “The number of bags due to climate change issues has decreased in Colombia, and we have also been informed about Ecuador, so supply will be lower. We hope that the market will recognize these factors and prices will react positively.”

© Augura

The leader also expressed concerns about the stagnation of producers’ earnings. “A CIRAD study reveals that over twenty years, consumer prices have increased, but the prices farmers receive have remained nearly the same, even as other fruits have tripled in value. We discuss a living wage, but it also requires a fair price,” he emphasized.

While Colombia aims to strengthen its presence in Europe, Augura is targeting markets where sustainability is a key factor for entry. Aguirre highlighted that a key competitive advantage is labor associativity, which allows 92% of workers to be unionized. “That cooperation model is unique in the banana industry and is our main strength against competitors,” he concluded.

For more information:
Emerson Aguirre
Colombian Banana Association (Augura)
Tel: +57 315 356 5815
Email: [email protected]
www.augura.com.co