The Proper Work of Banana Growers Led Us to Achieve Export Records: Augura
Emerson Aguirre, president of the Association of Banana Growers of Colombia (Augura) Photo: Courtesy Augura
TL;DR
- Colombian banana exports reached a record US$1.309 billion in 2025, ranking it as the third-largest exporter in Latin America.
- The European Union remains the primary market (76%), followed by the United States (17%) and the United Kingdom (14%).
- Productivity increased to an average of 2,516 boxes per hectare, a growth of over 21% without increasing planted area.
- Challenges for 2026 include the strong dollar, stagnant prices, increased costs, climate change (excess rain and potential El Niño), and rising fertilizer prices due to global conflicts.
- The sector is negotiating with European supermarkets for fairer prices to ensure economic sustainability for producers.
- Puerto Antioquia is highlighted as a crucial logistics hub for enhancing security and export capabilities.
- Banana workers earn 1.4 times the minimum wage, and collective bargaining agreements dictate salary increases, separate from the national minimum wage hike.
- Initial estimates suggest a potential 5% decrease in exports for 2026 due to climate impacts and currency fluctuations.