Westfalia played an instrumental role in establishing the first-ever World Avocado Congress event, which was hosted in South Africa in 1987. Over the decades, the organisation has continued to actively support and promote industry collaboration, knowledge sharing and the implementation of sustainability best practices. The Group is responsible for breeding world-leading rootstocks like Dusa™ that are Phytophthora tolerant and thus a more sustainable solution than the constant use of chemicals. The breeding of new varieties that provide a greater yield is also an innovation that Westfalia has shared with the industry.

Similarly, Westfalia has conducted a lot of research into reducing the use of fungicides and other pesticides, reducing water consumption and otherwise enhancing environmental sustainability. This has been shared over many years with the global avocado industry.

With reference to the host country of this year’s congress, Westfalia Fruit has invested significantly in building the reputation of the Colombian avocado industry as a credible origin for international exports. The Group brought specialised technical expertise into the fledgling industry in the form of production, logistics, cooling and packing proficiency, followed shortly by its superior plant material which will be of enormous long-term benefit to the industry.

Westfalia Fruit Colombia recently inaugurated a modern Hass avocado packhouse in the municipality of Sonsón, Colombia, south-east of Antioquia. It is one of the most modern plants of its kind with the largest production capacity in the country. The new plant significantly extends WFC’s processing capacity, adding to the facility it already runs in Guarne, Antioquia. With the investment in the new facility in Sonsón, the company expects to triple its production capacity to support its continued growth.