Colombia’s exotic fruit exports totaled US$49.1 million between January and August 2026, representing a 12.5% increase compared with the US$43.6 million recorded during the same period last year. Figures from the National Tax and Customs Directorate, analyzed by the National Association of Foreign Trade (Analdex), highlight the sector’s progress in international markets while also revealing a high concentration in certain fruits and export destinations.
Gulupa, a type of passion fruit, led overseas sales in this category, accounting for most of the revenue. Its performance contributed to the sector’s overall growth, as international demand for tropical fruits and specialty agricultural products creates opportunities for Colombian exporters. However, other varieties recorded less favorable results, indicating that growth was not evenly distributed across all products.
Gulupa leads Colombia’s exotic fruit exports in 2026
Among the fruits included in this category, gulupa ranked first, with exports worth approximately US$45.55 million during the first eight months of 2026. This represented 92.8% of the total export value and marked a 13.3% increase compared with the same period in 2025, when sales of the fruit amounted to around US$40.2 million.
Gulupa’s share highlights the importance of this product in Colombia’s passion fruit exports. Its presence in international markets is the main driver of the category’s results, although it also underscores the challenge of expanding the market share of other varieties to diversify the sector’s revenue sources.
Granadilla ranked second, with export sales of approximately US$2.8 million. Its overseas sales increased by 5.3% compared with the previous year, accounting for roughly 5.9% of the total.
Passion fruit, known locally as maracuya, followed a different trend. Its exports reached US$604,361, reflecting a 4.5% decline compared with the same period in 2025. The differences among these fruits show that overall growth depends largely on gulupa’s performance, while other Colombian varieties still have room to strengthen their positions in international markets.
The Netherlands accounts for most purchases
Europe remained a key market for Colombian exotic fruits, particularly because of the Netherlands’ role as the leading export destination. Between January and August 2026, the country accounted for 75.6% of exports in this category, with purchases totaling nearly US$37 million.
This share places the Dutch market well ahead of other destinations and highlights the importance of maintaining strong commercial relationships with European buyers. At the same time, the geographical concentration presents a challenge for exporters, who could seek additional opportunities in other countries to reduce their dependence on a single market.
The United Kingdom ranked second, purchasing US$4.7 million worth of Colombian exotic fruits, equivalent to 9.6% of the total. Its purchases increased by 7.1% compared with the same period last year.
Germany imported approximately US$2.1 million worth of Colombian products, although exports to that market declined by 3.3%. Canada, meanwhile, received US$1.7 million in shipments, recording growth of 3.9%.
Other destinations posted mixed results. Spain purchased US$909,884 worth of Colombian exotic fruits, a 23.3% decline. Russia recorded imports of US$541,798, an increase of 38.8%, while the United Arab Emirates received shipments worth approximately US$411,140, down 25.3%.
These differences show that export performance depends not only on Colombia’s supply but also on demand trends in individual markets. Expanding into new destinations could help exporters achieve a more balanced distribution of international sales.
Cundinamarca and Antioquia dominate export production
Concentration is also evident in the geographical origin of Colombia’s exotic fruit exports. The departments of Cundinamarca and Antioquia jointly accounted for 93.6% of export value between January and August 2026, confirming their importance to this agricultural and commercial activity.
Cundinamarca led the departmental ranking, with exports worth approximately US$29.7 million, equivalent to 60.6% of the national total. Its sales increased by 19.2% compared with the same period in 2025, when they reached around US$24.9 million.
Antioquia ranked second, with approximately US$16.1 million in exports and a 33% share. Together, the two departments accounted for nearly all the export value in this category, while other regions maintained a considerably smaller presence.
Bogota recorded exports worth approximately US$1.9 million, although its result declined by 22.3%. By contrast, Huila reported growth of 24.2%, reaching approximately US$321,000. Boyaca posted an 8% decline, with exports totaling around US$557,000.