Colombia Avocado Board elects new officers and directors
Colombia Avocado Board elects new officers and directors
The Colombia Avocado Board held its annual meeting Oct. 16, bringing together directors and association members to review the year’s progress and elect the nine-member board of directors for the 2025-26 term. Four officer positions were filled, including one new director, as CAB builds momentum for another year of growth and stronger retail partnerships in the U.S. market.
Newly elected to the board of directors is Galen Johnson, CAB secretary and importer director from Mission Produce. Members re-elected to new officer roles are Kellen Newhouse, CAB chair and importer director from West Pak Avocado; Ricardo Uribe, CAB vice chair and exporter director from Cartama; and Sergio Plata Ortiz, CAB treasurer and exporter director from Baika Fruit.
Each director serves a two-year term and may be re-elected to continue serving in subsequent terms. The board plays a key role in providing strategic guidance, oversight and direction for CAB’s efforts to strengthen the presence of Avocados from Colombia across the U.S. retail and foodservice sectors.
Johnson joined the board as secretary, replacing Brock Becker, also of Mission Produce. Johnson brings more than 15 years of experience in retail, wholesale and foodservice sales. Newhouse, previously CAB Treasurer, was elected as chair for a one-year term. Uribe, who successfully served as chair for five consecutive terms, now serves as vice chair, while Plata Ortiz, previously vice chair, will serve as treasurer.
Continuing Board Members:
- Katheryn Mejia, CAB director with Corpohass
- Brian Gomez, CAB importer director with Green Fruit Avocados
- Dustin Hahn, CAB importer director from Naturipe Avocados
- Ricardo Mejia, CAB exporter director from Fruty Green
- Carlos Andres Londoño, CAB exporter director from Jardin Exotics
“The Colombian avocado industry continues to grow and gain recognition as a trusted origin for consistent, high-quality fruit,” said Manuel Michel, managing director of the Colombia Avocado Board. “This calendar year, Colombia is on pace to reach 150 million pounds of exports to the U.S. — an 85 percent increase from the prior year. That growth reflects the commitment of our growers, exporters and importers to delivering quality and reliability week after week. Our board brings the experience and alignment needed to strengthen retailer confidence and ensure that avocados from Colombia remain an essential part of the category’s year-round success.”
Since gaining market access to the U.S. in 2017, Colombia has steadily built its reputation as a reliable, year-round source of Hass avocados. Today, there are 620 U.S.-certified orchards — a 42 percent increase over last year — spanning 40,200 acres, up 37 percent year over year. With this foundation, Colombia continues to demonstrate why it is one of the fastest growing and most dependable avocado origins in the world.
