Colombian Orange Exports Reach the Dominican Republic for the First Time

May 2022 was a historic month for Colombian orange exports. For the first time, fruit grown in Quindío and Caldas arrived in the Dominican Republic. Behind this operation was Celifrut SAS, based in Armenia, Quindío, once again setting a precedent for Colombian agriculture.

The shipment, made up of 23 tons of fruit packed in Barranquilla and destined for the Port of Río Haina in West Santo Domingo, not only opened a new market but was also the result of years of technical preparation, institutional coordination, and sanitary diplomacy. The oranges came from ICA-certified farms, including Lucitania, La Pradera, Vista Hermosa, La Estancia, and La Paola, located in the Coffee Axis region. All had been approved to comply with the demanding international export standards.

This achievement represents an important step forward for Colombian orange exports, as it confirms that the country meets the highest international standards. Sanitary diplomacy was led by ICA in collaboration with ProColombia, the Ministry of Agriculture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the embassies of Colombia and the Dominican Republic. In addition, strict phytosanitary protocols were applied to ensure the absence of quarantine pests, and a coordinated logistics process was managed that integrated producers, authorities, and port operators. All of this made it possible to comply with the regulations of the receiving country and ensure the quality of Colombian fruit.

Beyond the commercial aspect, this first shipment represents a model of rural development. In 2021, Colombia exported more than 17,650 tons of sweet citrus to 11 international markets, and the inclusion of the Dominican Republic confirms the Coffee Axis’ capacity to compete at a high level. The impact is reflected in job creation, the promotion of rural formalization, and the strengthening of the agricultural economy, especially for small and medium-sized producers.

Confidence in this process is also supported by voices from the sector. The general manager of Celifrut stated that “Colombia is increasingly strengthening its production of high-quality oranges,” enabling the country to compete in more demanding markets. For her part, Deyanira Barrero León, ICA’s general manager, highlighted the shipment as “an achievement for the production sector,” noting that it opens new doors and expands international demand for sweet citrus.

Although the initial volume was modest, it represents an open door to greater opportunities. Market diversification, sustained growth in export volumes, and investment in infrastructure and certifications are the clearest projections for the immediate future.

In conclusion, the arrival of the first Colombian oranges in the Dominican Republic is not only good commercial news. It shows that when Colombian agriculture works in an articulated way, it consolidates itself as a relevant player in world trade. With quality, sustainability, and strategic vision, Colombian orange exports will continue advancing successfully into new international markets.

FreshPlaza. (2022, May 10). First exports of Colombian oranges to the Dominican Republic. https://www.freshplaza.es/article/9426049/primeras-exportaciones-de-naranja-colombiana-a-republica-dominicana/