Within the framework of the Fruit Logistics Fair in Germany, the Association of Bananeros del Magdalena, Cesar and La Guajira (Asbama) reinforced its commitment to the sustainable development of the sector and reiterated the importance of A shared responsibility between Colombia and Europe in the commercialization of bananas.
(See: Non -mining energy exports grew 7.7% in 2024)
During a key meeting with the Colombian ambassador to Germany, Yadir Salazar, the executive president of Asbama, José Francisco Zúñiga, He addressed fundamental issues such as security, logistics, prices and sustainability of banana production.
Zúñiga highlighted the impact of banana cultivation on the economy of the Colombian Caribbean region, stressing that more than 19 thousand families depend directly on this activity. “Banana marketers, producers and workers in the sector are closely committed to moving towards a production model that balances economic development with social and environmental responsibility, ensuring the future of the sector and the communities that depend on it”He said.
(Read more: Why the Super Bowl has established itself as a spacolin for Colombian Hass avocado)
However, he called on European markets to recognize these efforts through fair prices that reflect the true value of sustainable production.
Asbama meeting with Germany.
Courtesy
One of the central aspects of the discussion was the growing cost of production due to the demands in international certifications. In this sense, Opportunities were identified to improve the marketing of Colombian bananas in Germany and the need to establish more aggressive promotion strategies was raised that strengthen the presence of the fruit in that market.
(See also: Why the Super Bowl has established itself as a spacolin for Colombian Hass avocado)
The security in the ports and the fight against drug trafficking were other points of special interest. At the meeting, the importance of strengthening cooperation with European authorities, particularly in Germany, the Netherlands and Belgium, to implement more effective measures in port controls.
“The challenge of banana export security is not an exclusive problem of Colombia; It is a global challenge that requires the co -responsibility of all the actors involved in the marketing chain”Zúñiga emphasized.
(Read: Corn and soy chain organizations are formalized)
Banano
Istock
For its part, lAmbassador Salazar expressed his willingness to support the sector and recommended a more ambitious commercial strategy that allows us to highlight the quality of Colombian bananas in Europe. In this context, it was agreed to work on initiatives that make visible the advances of the sector on sustainability and social responsibility, in order to improve the perception and positioning of the product in the German market.
(See more: The impact of oil on the fall of Colombia’s exports in 2024)
The meeting in Berlin reinforces Asbama’s will to continue betting on a competitive, responsible and aligned banana sector with international standards. However, from the association they insist that the sustainability of Production cannot fall exclusively on the shoulders of producers, but must be supported with fair prices and more equitable trade prices by importing countries.
