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03 October 2024

UNIBAN: Nation-building in Colombia and exporting to global markets since 1966

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Uniban, Colombia's leading banana exporter and the sixth largest worldwide, present at Fruit Attraction announces an important milestone with the upcoming commissioning of Puerto Antioquia in 2025. A state-of-the-art port, reducing transit times to Europe and improving Colombia's export capabilities, while supporting sustainable and efficient operations.

Uniban, Colombia's leading banana exporter and the world's sixth largest, announces a major milestone with the upcoming start-up of Puerto Antioquia in 2025. This state-of-the-art port, located in the Urabá region, will improve export logistics by reducing transit times to Europe, which currently accounts for more than 90% of Uniban's exports. The new facility will strengthen Colombia's export capabilities and reinforce Uniban's commitment to sustainable growth and operational efficiency.

Uniban guarantees above-minimum wages for more than 11,000 agricultural workers in Colombia, covering essential living expenses and promoting long-term social and economic stability. Zero-waste policies, organic farming practices and reforestation projects reduce environmental impact and support local communities, aligning with global sustainability goals.

Port of Antioquia: Strengthening export capacities to Europe

“The opening of Puerto Antioquia will be a milestone for Uniban and Colombia. This port will not only optimize our logistics, but also solidify our commitment to sustainable growth and operational excellence,” stated Manuel Laborde, CEO of Uniban. “Our goal is to ensure that Colombian agricultural products reach Europe in the best possible conditions, strengthening our presence in this key market.” Equipped with advanced cargo handling systems and refrigerated storage facilities, Puerto Antioquia will ensure the efficient transport of products such as bananas, plantains, Hass avocados and mangoes.

Promoting social responsibility with the living wage initiative

Uniban is also prioritizing its social responsibility efforts through the Living Wage Initiative, which ensures that agricultural workers in Urabá and Magdalena earn wages well above the Colombian minimum wage. This initiative benefits more than 11,000 workers and their families, covering essential living expenses such as housing, food, education, and healthcare. “Fair compensation and quality of life for our workers are essential to the long-term success of both Uniban and the communities we serve,” Laborde added.

Driving shared value: An integrated approach

Uniban's shared value strategy combines economic, social and environmental objectives to drive sustainable development throughout its operations. The company works with more than 2,000 smallholder farmers in regions such as Urabá and Magdalena, providing them with technical support and fair trade conditions. In 2023, Uniban invested more than $2 million in training and infrastructure programs to improve productivity and quality. “Our approach to shared value is to create positive impacts that extend beyond our business.”

Uniban will occupy stand 10C19 at Fruit Attraction.

 https://www.uniban.com

Press contact:

Laura Grani

Tel. + 34 601532270

Laura@lauragrani.com