UK Becomes Third-Largest Market for Colombian Fresh Fruit
The United Kingdom has emerged as the world’s third-largest destination for Colombian fresh fruit, as the South American country strengthens its reputation beyond its traditionally dominant banana trade.
Colombian fresh fruit exports to the UK reached £28.3 (US$38.2) million in 2025, representing a 26.3 per cent increase in value, according to figures highlighted by ProColombia. Only the Netherlands and the United States ranked higher.
Alejandro Jaramillo Gómez, commercial attaché at the Colombian Embassy in London and ProColombia’s executive director for the UK, Ireland and the Nordic countries, said Colombia was increasingly being recognised as a supplier of a much broader range of produce.
Alongside bananas and plantains, its growing export portfolio includes Hass avocados, Tahiti limes, mangoes and an array of exotic fruits.
Colombia is also reported to be the UK’s third-largest supplier of bananas and plantains, accounting for 36 per cent of the market. Meanwhile, neighbouring Ireland is becoming a more significant direct importer, with Colombian banana imports rising by 94.9 per cent and total fresh and processed fruit imports increasing by 54 per cent.
Colombia’s varied climate enables growers to produce throughout the year, while sea transit times to Europe can be as short as 15 days. Existing trade agreements with the UK and European Union are also supporting its competitiveness against established suppliers including Peru, Chile and South Africa.
The country is investing in technology to improve productivity, sustainability and shelf life. Developments include satellite and Internet of Things sensors for more precise irrigation and fertiliser use, biodegradable packaging made from banana fibre and sugarcane waste, and modified-atmosphere systems for avocados and citrus fruit.
Further investment is being directed towards certified cold-chain facilities at ports and airports, while blockchain and QR-based traceability systems are allowing buyers to access more detailed information about product origin and production practices.
Jaramillo stressed that certification and traceability were increasingly becoming conditions of market access rather than optional points of difference.
Challenges remain, however, including logistics infrastructure, cold-chain capacity, compliance with European phytosanitary and sustainability requirements, and the need to help smaller growers work collectively.
ProColombia sees particularly strong growth potential in exotic and functional fruits, including pitahaya, goldenberry, granadilla and passion fruit, as well as higher-value products derived from avocados.
Support for exporters is now focused on improving quality, closing production gaps and building long-term relationships with international customers. As Jaramillo observed: “Trust is built shipment by shipment.”
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