Fresh Del Monte Produce Inc. (NYSE: FDP), a global leader in the production, marketing, and distribution of high-quality fresh and fresh-cut fruit and vegetables, has announced a significant strategic partnership with Managro Group, a Colombia-based agricultural powerhouse and one of the country’s leading exporters of limes and avocados. This collaboration marks a notable expansion of Fresh Del Monte’s sourcing capabilities, reinforcing its presence in two of the fastest-growing categories in the fresh produce industry: avocados and limes.
The joint venture is centered around a shared investment to expand an existing avocado and lime packing house in Colombia. This facility will play a key role in serving Fresh Del Monte’s North American and European markets, ensuring a steady flow of premium-quality produce that meets growing consumer demand. The upgraded facility will not only increase operational capacity but also implement advanced sorting, grading, and cold-chain systems to maintain freshness and quality from farm to market.
Strengthening Global Supply Chains and Market Reach
For Fresh Del Monte, this move is a strategic step toward enhancing supply chain efficiency and reinforcing year-round availability of two in-demand commodities. By leveraging Colombia’s favorable growing conditions — including diverse microclimates, rich volcanic soils, and two annual harvest seasons — the company is securing a reliable supply source less vulnerable to the climate challenges affecting other production regions.
“This joint venture is a bold step in advancing our long-term ambition: to lead in the most dynamic, high-growth categories in fresh produce,” said Danny Dumas, Senior Vice President of Sales, Marketing, and Product Management for North America at Fresh Del Monte. “Through our partnership with Managro in Colombia, we’re enhancing our vertical integration, expanding our global footprint, and reinforcing our position as a trusted, year-round supplier of premium avocados and limes.”
The arrangement will allow both companies to share expertise and resources. Managro brings deep knowledge of Colombia’s avocado and lime production, along with well-established grower relationships, while Fresh Del Monte contributes decades of experience in global marketing, logistics, and distribution. This combination is designed to maximize efficiency, improve consistency, and scale up to meet rising international demand.
Rising Demand for Avocados and Limes
Fresh Del Monte’s focus on these two categories aligns closely with current market trends. Consumer demand for avocados has surged over the last decade, driven by their nutritional profile, culinary versatility, and popularity in health-conscious diets. Limes, meanwhile, have become an essential flavoring ingredient in global cuisines, from beverages and cocktails to marinades and desserts.
According to Fact.MR, a global market intelligence and advisory firm, the worldwide lime market is forecast to grow from $48 billion in 2024 to $62 billion by 2034, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.5%. Even more striking is the avocado sector, which is expected to expand from approximately $19 billion in 2024 to around $34 billion by 2034 — a robust CAGR of 5.9%. This makes avocados one of the fastest-growing fresh produce categories in the world.
These statistics underline the importance of securing consistent, high-quality supply sources, particularly as consumption rises in markets beyond traditional demand centers like the United States and Europe. Emerging middle-class populations in Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are increasingly adopting avocados and limes into their diets, further accelerating global growth.
Why Colombia is a Strategic Choice
Colombia’s unique geography makes it an ideal hub for avocado and lime production. The country’s year-round growing potential, combined with proximity to both Atlantic and Pacific shipping routes, allows for faster transit to key consumer markets. Additionally, the nation has invested in agricultural infrastructure and export certification programs to meet international standards, making Colombian produce competitive in the global marketplace.
For avocados, Colombia offers the advantage of staggered harvest seasons that differ from major producers like Mexico, Peru, and Chile. This helps Fresh Del Monte fill supply gaps and maintain steady product availability throughout the year. For limes, Colombia’s consistent climate ensures dependable harvests, which is increasingly valuable given the crop losses faced by producers in other regions due to disease and weather extremes.
Innovation and Quality at the Core
The expansion of the Colombian packing house will incorporate modern processing technologies aimed at preserving freshness and reducing post-harvest losses. Investments will include advanced ripening rooms, automated grading equipment, and enhanced cold-storage facilities. The goal is to optimize efficiency from field to shelf, ensuring that avocados and limes arrive at their destination in peak condition.
This move also fits within Fresh Del Monte’s broader strategy of vertical integration, where the company maintains control over multiple stages of production and distribution. By owning or investing directly in packing facilities, Fresh Del Monte can enforce its stringent quality standards, reduce supply chain disruptions, and improve cost management — benefits that ultimately translate to more competitive pricing and higher satisfaction for retailers and consumers.
Sustainability and Long-Term Commitment
Both Fresh Del Monte and Managro have emphasized sustainability as a cornerstone of this joint venture. Colombia’s agricultural expansion is increasingly tied to responsible land use, biodiversity protection, and water management. The companies plan to implement environmentally friendly practices such as efficient irrigation systems, waste reduction initiatives, and renewable energy use in packing operations.
In addition, the venture is expected to support local economic development by creating jobs in farming, logistics, and facility operations, while also strengthening the skills and incomes of smallholder farmers linked to the supply chain. Fresh Del Monte has a history of investing in grower training programs, and this initiative will extend similar opportunities in Colombia, ensuring that quality improvements and sustainable practices benefit the entire community.
A Long-Term Growth Platform
With this partnership, Fresh Del Monte is reinforcing its position not only as a supplier of premium produce but also as a strategic player capable of shaping the future of high-growth categories. By securing year-round supply, diversifying its sourcing regions, and investing in local infrastructure, the company is better positioned to navigate market volatility and meet consumer expectations for freshness, quality, and sustainability.
As demand for avocados and limes continues its upward trajectory, the expanded packing house in Colombia will serve as a cornerstone in Fresh Del Monte’s long-term growth strategy. The collaboration with Managro exemplifies the type of forward-looking investments necessary to remain competitive in an increasingly dynamic global produce market.
“This partnership is about more than just expansion — it’s about building a stronger, more resilient supply chain for the future,” Dumas emphasized. “By working closely with Managro, we are ensuring that our customers receive the very best, no matter the season, while also contributing to the long-term prosperity of the Colombian agricultural sector.”
In the coming months, the companies will begin implementing the expansion plans, with upgraded operations expected to come online in phases. Once completed, the facility will stand as one of Colombia’s most advanced avocado and lime packing centers — a symbol of innovation, sustainability, and the enduring global appeal of fresh produce.
