Within the framework of the 88th Coffee Summit, convened by the National Association of Coffee Exporters of Colombia (Asoexport) and the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex), it was highlighted that the future of coffee will be directed towards the construction of a sector more sustainable, aligned with international standards, But one of the most important factors is to increase grain consumption at the national level and exports.
(See: The growth of Colombian coffee production continues).
According to Gustavo Gómez, executive director of Asoexport, Colombian coffee is a driver of the country’s exportstaking into account that only the weight of grain in international non-mining energy sales has had a growth of 15%.
He pointed out that of these exports, 75% are from associates in Asoexport, where around US$3.3 billion in sales are also being generated in coffee year 23/24 alone. Now, another point that stands out is the role of the coffee grower in a sustainable environment.
(See more: The new sustainable bet for coffee, according to Fedecafeteros).
According to Gustavo Gómez, a study carried out revealed that last year more than US$14 million were invested in sustainability projects, where nearly 80,000 producers were impacted in more than 120 support programs.
“We are seeing a significant recovery in production. More than 12.8 million bags were produced in the 2023-2024 coffee year and there is a direct relationship between production and exports. This is a very interesting time for agriculture, with good prices, competitive costs and a good flight in the market. That is to say, we have good income for the more than 600 coffee-growing municipalities throughout Colombia.”, he noted.
(Read also: Specialty coffees could be the engine of Colombian rural development).
As is generally known, the coffee sector is betting not only on the US market, which is the main one, but also to a new one that has been setting the tone for international grain sales, which is China.
Colombian coffee
Courtesy
For Gómez, it is necessary to look at this destination with a magnifying glass, since last year alone exports grew 132% and this year they are over 75%. “We have to export more coffee to China. There it is essential that now that the Belt and Road is being planned, the discussion takes place with the coffee growers. We are the second most important supplier to China, after Brazil, and we definitely have to be present in that growth.”, he indicated.
(See: Juan Valdez opens his first store in the Dominican Republic).
For his part, Javier Díaz, president of Analdex, reflected that Colombia is the third world exporter of grain, where 2021 production levels are being resumed, after three years of declines.
He explained that until now, More than US$2,141 million are being exported, which translates into an increase of 10.4%, compared to 2023. Furthermore, the United States alone represents 38.4% of total foreign sales.
(Read more: Procafecol approves capitalization of Federacafé for $13,835 million).
“Since 2015, exports of non-mining-energy goods (NME) have been around 40% of total exports, a significant figure with great growth potential. Coffee continues to be the main NME export product, representing more than 6% of the export value”, he stated.
Colombian Coffee
Source: IStock
Coffee principles
Francisco Gómez, president of the board of directors of Asoexport, indicated that a trend is currently being set in the general consumption of coffee, exposing a significant change in the country and globally.
(Read: The new FNC logistics model to export coffee roasted at origin to the US.).
“Consumers increasingly want to know more about the origin of their coffee. They have greater knowledge of the preparations, there are new opportunities, new hours of consumption, but there we definitely have to work together to continue innovating. In Colombia 88% of people drink a coffee a week”, he indicated.
The manager explained the five principles that will be carried out, not only to increase consumption, but to guarantee good behavior in the sector.. One of them is to promote free markets and competition; as well as support, establish clear rules for the Colombian coffee sector; protect the reputation of the coffee; promote the sustainability of the industry and promote compliance with good practices in coffee marketing.
(See also: Coffee georeferencing platform will be launched at the end of August).
The 88th Coffee Summit
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“It is essential to address issues such as having greater production and availability of coffee in the country for the industry and for export. The increase in coffee consumption in Colombia, collaborative work with all those involved, so that we can face the challenges that are being brought to us today, especially new regulations in different countries around the world.“, held.
(Read: Coffee growers from all over the world choose the best Colombian coffee in Cauca).
Gómez explained that it is important to highlight the work of the institutions regarding the European Green Deal. He mentioned that the deployment of compliance has been fundamental in the sense that conversations are the basis, as well as that all actors in the sector have participated and are obtaining benefits.
“It is very important that there be a conversation between governments to continue addressing the issue of legality on this issue of the European Pact. Furthermore, collaborating with the innovation ecosystem has become a priority, which is why in this edition of the Summit we have decided to resume the Innovacafé program or project, an action that connects us with perspectives from the sector.“, said.
(See more: ‘Regional industrialization centers are a reactivation strategy’: coffee growers).
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