Colombia Avocado Board elects new members
Members recently elected to the Colombia Avocado Board include two importers and two exporters. One is new to the board, while three members were re-elected.
Nine director members each serve a two-year term and can be re-elected to subsequent terms. The boards helps guide decision making and provides strategic input in U.S. market development for Colombia Avocados.
Carlos Andres Londono of Jardin Exotics was newly elected as exporter director, replacing Maurico Moranth of Montana Fruits.
Sergio Plata Ortiz was re-elected as exporter director and elected to serve as executive committee vice chair. Dustin Hahn of Naturipe Avocados, CAB importer director, and Kellen Newhouse of West Pak Avocado, CAB treasurer and importer director, were also re-elected.
Katheryn Mejia of Corpohass was reappointed as board director.
Other continuing board members include:
- Ricardo Uribe, CAB chair and exporter director with Cartama
- Ricardo Mejia, CAB exporter director with Fruty Green
- Brock Becker, CAB importer director with Mission Produce
- Brian Gomez, CAB importer director with Green Fruit Avocados
“As we look to the future, we are honored to collaborate with both new and longstanding association members who are committed to expanding the avocado category and strengthening Colombia’s reputation as a dependable, year-round source,” Manuel Michel, CAB managing director, said in a news release. “With Colombian avocado volume rising, our focus on consistent quality, fast shipping times, and year-round availability gives us confident that we are poised for continued growth and another record-breaking year.”
Colombian avocados received approval to enter the U.S. market in 2017. In 2023, approximately 30 million pounds were shipped to the U.S., and imports are projected to increase 216% to 95 million pounds in 2024, according to the release.
