Celifrut Promotes Colombian Citrus Exports

Colombia exports 1,198 tons of sweet citrus between 2023 and 2025

Colombia continues to strengthen its position as a key player in citrus exports. Between January and September 2023, the Colombian Agricultural Institute (ICA) certified the shipment of 1,198 tons of Valencia oranges to the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. This achievement reflects the joint efforts of the agro-export sector and phytosanitary authorities, with companies like Celifrut playing a fundamental role in ensuring Colombian fruit reaches new markets in optimal conditions.

The ICA implemented a strict sanitary control system that covered every stage from cultivation to packaging. Through its National Plant Quarantine Group, it ensured that the citrus fruits were free from quarantine pests, while each exporter was evaluated and certified under the Operational Work Plans (PTOs) agreed upon with the destination countries. Even in the packing plants, ICA officials oversaw the process to guarantee compliance with established protocols.

The Coffee Region (Eje Cafetero) played a prominent role in this dynamic, with certified farms in Caldas, Risaralda, Quindío, and Valle del Cauca. These regions reaffirm themselves as the heart of Colombia’s sweet citrus production, supplying high-quality fruit that strengthens the country’s export offer.

This result was made possible thanks to public-private collaboration, where institutions and companies work hand in hand to open new opportunities and ensure compliance with international quality standards. According to the ICA, this articulation is the key to continued growth in demanding markets.

Looking ahead, the goal is to expand certified production areas, diversify export destinations, and strengthen institutional capacity with more surveillance, technical support, and improvements in infrastructure. With these advances, Colombia positions itself as a reliable supplier in the agro-export of citrus fruits.

In conclusion, the export of more than 1,198 tons of citrus in 2023 confirms that the country has the capacity to compete on a large scale. With the commitment of companies like Celifrut, the backing of phytosanitary certifications, and coordinated work with the authorities, Colombian citrus fruits continue to earn international prestige and recognition.

Source: Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario. (2023, September 27). 1,198 tons of Colombian sweet citrus have been shipped to the US, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. ICA