Nurturing Growth, Committed to Success
Meet The Colombia Avocado Board
Kellen Newhouse
CAB Chair and Importer
Director from West Pak Avocado
2024-2026
Kellen Newhouse
CAB Chair and Importer, Director from West Pak Avocado
Fun Fact: He has academic degrees from Duke University and the University of Arizona, and has a strategic mindset critical to industry growth!
Ricardo Uribe
CAB Vice Chair and Exporter
Director from Cartama
2024-2026
Ricardo Uribe
CAB Vice Chair and Exporter, Director from Cartama
Fun Fact: Ricardo refers to young growers and farm workers as agro-millenials
Galen Johnson
CAB Secretary and Importer
Director from Mission Produce
2025-2027
Galen Johnson
CAB Secretary and Importer, Director from Mission Produce
Fun Fact: He has over 15 years of experience spanning retail, wholesale, and foodservice sales – with customer success being at the forefront of everything he does. Also, he loves avocados and eats them every day!
Sergio Plata
CAB Treasurer and Exporter
Director from Baika Fruit
2025-2027
Sergio Plata
CAB Treasurer and Exporter, Director from Baika Fruit
Fun Fact: He has played a pivotal role in expanding avocado production in the regions of Quindio and Caldas. His efforts in increasing acreage have led to a significant rise in Hass avocado production and contributing to growing Colombia’s export volume!
Katheryn Mejía Vergel
CAB Corpohass Director
2024-2026
Katheryn Mejía Vergel
CAB Corpohass Director
Fun Fact: Before becoming the “avocado queen”, Kathy worked in the floral industry – her first love!
Dustin Hahn
CAB Importer
Director from Naturipe Avocados
2024-2026
Dustin Hahn
CAB Importer, Director from Naturipe Avocados
Fun Fact: He has experience in sales, business development, marketing, and more. Safe to say he is a triple threat!
Ricardo Mejia
CAB Exporter
Director from Fruty Green
2025-2027
Ricardo Mejia
Director from Fruty Green
Fun Fact: With over 20 years of experience, Ricardo brings deep expertise in supply chain that is critical to advancing projects that drive long-term industry growth.
Brian Gomez
CAB Importer
Director from GreenFruit Avocados
2025-2027
Brian Gomez
CAB Importer, Director from GreenFruit Avocados
Fun Fact: Brian has over 19 years of experience in avocados. His passion for the industry stems from his Colombian roots!
Carlos Andres Londoño
CAB Exporter
Director from Jardin Exotics
2024-2026
Carlos Andres Londoño
CAB Exporter, Director from Jardin Exotics
Fun Fact: As the general manager, Carlos is responsible for leading teams, building international relationships, and ensuring fruit is of the highest quality.
Meet The Colombia Avocado Board
Kellen Newhouse
CAB Chair and Importer
Director from West Pak Avocado
2024-2026
Kellen Newhouse
CAB Chair and Importer Director, Director from West Pak Avocado
Fun Fact: He has academic degrees from Duke University and the University of Arizona, and has a strategic mindset critical to industry growth!
Ricardo Uribe
CAB Vice Chair and Exporter
Director from Cartama
2024-2026
Ricardo Uribe
CAB Vice Chair and Exporter, Director from Cartama
Fun Fact: Ricardo refers to young growers and farm workers as agro-millenials
Galen Johnson
CAB Secretary and Importer
Director from Mission Produce
2025-2027
Galen Johnson
CAB Secretary and Importer, Director from Mission Produce
Fun Fact: He has over 15 years of experience spanning retail, wholesale, and foodservice sales – with customer success being at the forefront of everything he does. Also, he loves avocados and eats them every day!
Sergio Plata
CAB Treasurer and Exporter
Director from Baika Fruit
2025-2027
Sergio Plata
CAB Treasurer and Exporter, Director from Baika Fruit
Fun Fact: He has played a pivotal role in expanding avocado production in the regions of Quindio and Caldas. His efforts in increasing acreage have led to a significant rise in Hass avocado production and contributing to growing Colombia’s export volume!
Katheryn Mejía Vergel
CAB Corpohass Director
2024-2026
Katheryn Mejía Vergel
CAB Corpohass Director
Fun Fact: Before becoming the “avocado queen”, Kathy worked in the floral industry – her first love!
Dustin Hahn
CAB Importer
Director from Naturipe Avocados
2024-2026
Dustin Hahn
CAB Importer, Director from Naturipe Avocados
Fun Fact: He has experience in sales, business development, marketing, and more. Safe to say he is a triple threat!
Ricardo Mejia
CAB Exporter
Director from Fruity Green
20253-2027
Ricardo Mejia
Director from Fruty Green
Fun Fact: With over 20 years of experience, Ricardo brings deep expertise in supply chain that is critical to advancing projects that drive long-term industry growth.
Brian Gomez
CAB Importer
Director from Greenfruit Avocados
2025-2027
Brian Gomez
CAB Importer, Director from GreenFruit Avocados
Fun Fact: Brian has over 19 years of experience in avocados. His passion for the industry stems from his Colombian roots!
Carlos Andres Londoño
CAB Exporter
Director from Jardin Exotics
2024-2026
Carlos Andres Londoño
CAB Exporter, Director from Jardin Exotics
Fun Fact: As the general manager, Carlos is responsible for leading teams, building international relationships, and ensuring fruit is of the highest quality.
Colombia Avocado Board, Association Importer Members
Colombia Avocado Board, Association Exporter Members
Official Documents
How Colombia Became an Avocado Powerhouse
A Journey of Growth, Flavor, and Innovation
The craze for avocados has taken over households nationwide —prized for its creamy texture, nutritional benefits, and versatility. Over the past 30 years, U.S. consumption has skyrocketed as avocados moved from a specialty item to an everyday essential. From breakfast toast to guacamole, smoothies, and salads, avocados are now a key ingredient in meals across the country. As demand surged, so did interest in where these avocados come from—ushering in Colombia as a rising star in the global avocado supply chain.
Since the 1990’s, avocado consumption in the U.S. has surged as the fruit gained a permanent spot on grocery lists. This growing demand, combined with increased investments in research and development, prompted growers to strategically evaluate where to focus their time and resources.
Over the past several decades, Colombia has steadily invested in the development of Hass avocado, aiming to achieve exceptional freshness, flavor, and quality. Growers across the regions of Antioquia, Tolima, and the Coffee axis initiated small to medium scale plantings that laid the foundation for expansion. As production advanced, it became clear that Colombia had the potential to support consistent, year-round avocado programs.
From developing grower trainings to advancing disease and pest management strategies, Colombia demonstrated a strong commitment to meeting U.S. import standards. While Colombian avocados were already gaining traction in European markets, the industry recognized the opportunity to become a trusted supplier for U.S. retail and foodservice channels. In 2017, USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) approved the importation of Colombian avocados into the United States, and by 2018, the first shipments marked the beginning of a new chapter. Recognizing the long-term growth potential of the U.S. market, the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB) was officially established in 2020 to promote and support industry success.
Collaborative efforts between the Colombia Avocado Board (CAB), the Hass Avocado Board, and other aligned avocado organizations have helped drive a combined investment of over $205 million in promotion. Colombia remains fully committed to strengthening its presence in the U.S. market. Under USDA guidelines, CAB’s marketing budget is tied to projected import volume—an approach that has enabled the board to scale its investment as Colombian avocado shipments continue to grow at a triple-digit pace. These resources support a wide range of initiatives, including trade events, retail promotions, brand awareness, and business development.
CAB is dedicated to delivering on the goals outlined in its 2024–2029 strategic plan. All marketing and research activities are carefully aligned with this plan and guided by board members representing approximately 85% of Colombian avocado volume exported to the United States.
More Volume, Ample Growth
- In 2024, Colombia exports grew 23.4 million (11.6%) in the United States.
- From 2010 to 2022, Hass avocado production in Colombia surged by 431%, with a 410% increase in harvested acreage.
- By 2024, there was triple digit export growth of Avocados From Colombia into the U.S. market.
- In 2025, Colombian avocado exports to the U.S. are projected to reach 150 million pounds.
- The industry currently includes 250 municipalities and 29 certified packing houses, positioning the country for potential year-over-year growth of up to 200%.
The Ultimate Avocado Hotspot
Because the right place means everything.
Colombia has fast shipping to East coast markets! With access to both Atlantic and Pacific shipping routes avocados can travel quickly within a matter of days. Ports in Santa Marta, Cartagena, and Buenaventura are in great locations and the perfect starting point for avocado delivery.
Colombia has 29,319 certified acres and there are millions of acres that are available for avocado planting. Lush orchards and plentiful rainfall have resulted in increased yields implying 2025 is the year for growth and opportunity nationwide.
The United States is the #1 importer for Colombia. They have been an avid partner in crude oil, coffee, and flowers. From 2018 to 2022, the US imported more than 26,000 metric tons equivalent to 57,329,120 pounds. Last year they imported 81 million pounds of Avocados from Colombia.
Colombia has built programs across 8 growing regions dedicated to quality and excellence. Many regions are part of S.M.E.T.A, Fair Trade, and the Rainforest Alliance. As demand continues to climb, our members have invested in technological advancements working with their internal team to ensure quality, consistency and reliability remain a top priority.
The Colombian avocado industry knows there is a path forward toward economic growth. By collaborating and sharing transparency in information, the supply chain can remain confident in supporting a region dedicated to meeting their needs.