From the Land to the World: The Story of Celifrut in Colombian Citrus Exports

The Colombian countryside holds stories worth telling, and the story of Celifrut is one of them: a path of perseverance, innovation, and love for the land that today is reflected in citrus exports with both national and international impact.

The First Steps: A Vision Born in the Countryside

It all began in 1999, when citrus commercialization was a simple activity, managed individually as a natural person. Without major resources but with a clear vision, a network of trust with producers began to take shape, offering fresh, high-quality fruits that conquered the local market. It was a time of great learning, where ties with the countryside were strengthened, the dynamics of citrus cultivation were understood, and the foundations were laid for what would later become an exporting company.

The Transformation into a Company: Celifrut and Colombian Citrus Exports

After more than a decade of constant work, in 2015 a key milestone was reached: the official establishment of Celifrut as a company dedicated to Colombian citrus exports. This decision marked the beginning of a new stage, one with more ambitious goals: bringing Colombian citrus to new markets, improving production processes, and generating value for local producers.

Formalization not only implied a stronger structure but also a greater commitment to quality, traceability, and compliance with the standards demanded by international markets.

Expansion and Market Openings

With a solid foundation, in 2018 the company achieved significant growth in infrastructure and technology, which allowed it to consolidate its presence in Colombian citrus exports to demanding markets such as the United States and the Caribbean. In that same year, the U.S. market for Colombian sweet citrus opened, consolidating Celifrut as a relevant player in international trade.

This achievement was no coincidence. Behind it were years of farm work, process improvements, strategic alliances, and a continuous focus on quality. Exporting is not just selling abroad; it is complying with strict regulations, ensuring food safety, and offering a reliable product from origin to destination.

Consolidation and New Horizons

The year 2019 brought expansion to Puerto Rico and the strengthening of the professional team. The company understood that to keep growing, it was essential to surround itself with committed, multidisciplinary talent with an international vision. It was a stage of internal adjustments, where organizational culture aligned with the goals of sustainability, quality, and expansion.

In 2020 came a recognition that filled the entire team with pride: Celifrut was a finalist for the National Quality Award in Exports, granted by the Presidency of the Republic. This recognition valued not only economic results but also the company’s commitment to continuous improvement, process innovation, and positive impact on rural communities.

Certifications and International Standards

Quality is not a promise; it is a constant practice. That is why, in 2021, Celifrut obtained the Global GAP certification, a worldwide-recognized standard of good agricultural practices. This certification ensures that products meet strict requirements in food safety, environmental sustainability, and labor welfare.

This achievement strengthened the trust of international buyers and opened the door to enter even more demanding markets, positioning the company as a reliable citrus supplier.

A New Destination: Dominican Republic

Growth continued in 2022 with the opening of the sweet citrus market in the Dominican Republic, a country with high consumption of tropical fruits and strong commercial connections with the Caribbean. This new destination was further proof that Colombian quality can compete and stand out in international markets.

A Future Full of Possibilities

Today, Celifrut is not only a leader in Colombian citrus exports, but also an organization that has transformed the lives of dozens of rural families, that is committed to sustainability, and that continues working so that Colombia’s name is present on the finest tables around the world.