Uniban, Colombia’s leading exporter of fresh bananas, plantains, exotic fruits, and other agricultural products, is showcasing its forward-looking projects at Fruit Logistica in Berlin. The spotlight is on the upcoming opening of the state-of-the-art Puerto Antioquia, a port that will revolutionize Colombia’s export infrastructure. At the same time, the company underscores its social and environmental commitment, aiming to sustainably improve the quality of life in its growing regions.

"Uniban has ensured that more than 11,000 agricultural workers in Urabá and Magdalena, Colombia—the country’s primary banana-producing regions—receive wages that are 73% higher than the legal minimum in Colombia, along with access to housing, healthcare, and education for themselves and their families," stated Manuel Laborde, CEO of Uniban.

The company oversees the production of 182 banana farms across Colombia, spanning a total of 17,653.16 hectares of cultivated land in two of the country’s leading banana-producing regions: Urabá and Santa Marta (Magdalena). In Urabá, located in northwestern Colombia, Uniban manages 146 farms covering 15,656.1 hectares. Meanwhile, in Santa Marta (Magdalena), a key banana-producing region in northern Colombia, there are nearly 250 farms, of which 215 are associated with 5 cooperatives, covering 1,997.06 hectares.

These cooperatives play a crucial role in supporting small banana producers, helping them pool resources, share knowledge, and access international markets more efficiently.

"These farms implement advanced and innovative agricultural practices to ensure the highest quality products, marketed under Uniban’s premium banana brands, Turbana and Tropy, both recognized for their excellence and Colombian origin. Additionally, Uniban collaborates closely with approximately 2,500 small plantain producers, supporting them in product diversification through its Turbana Foods brand, which specializes in value-added products, strengthening its supply chain, and promoting sustainable development," highlighted Laborde.

Puerto Antioquia: A Strategic Boost to Uniban’s Logistical Competitiveness

The upcoming Puerto Antioquia, set to open in 2025, marks a milestone for Colombian exports, particularly to Europe and the United States. Located in Turbo, in the Urabá region of Colombia, this multi-purpose port will feature state-of-the-art cargo handling facilities and refrigerated storage, ensuring product quality and freshness during transit.

"For Uniban, this logistical advantage will not only improve our product competitiveness in international markets but also contribute to sustainability by reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation. The impact of optimized routes goes beyond shorter transit times, as it plays a key role in our ongoing efforts to minimize environmental impact and enhance efficiency," explained Laborde.

Sustainability, Shared Value, and Community Development: Uniban Foundation’s Commitment

"Uniban’s shared value strategy, developed in collaboration with the United Nations Global Compact—a UN initiative that promotes corporate sustainability and responsible business practices worldwide—and the Porter Development Initiative, has strengthened ethical supply chains, fostered educational programs, and supported environmental conservation projects. These initiatives not only enhance the company’s global competitiveness but also provide tangible benefits to local communities. Through its foundation, Uniban promotes regional sustainable development, solidifying its leadership in agribusiness by partnering with small producers, cooperatives, and strategic allies," stated Manuel Laborde, CEO of Uniban.

Furthermore, Uniban actively contributes to peace-building efforts and community infrastructure development, fostering stability and improved living conditions in the regions where it operates. Through strategic partnerships, Uniban has supported the development of more than 250 community infrastructure projects, including schools, healthcare centers, and public spaces, directly benefiting thousands of residents.

Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Uniban Foundation has positively impacted over 107,000 people through initiatives in economic development, infrastructure, environmental protection, education, sports, arts, and culture.

"Key achievements include a 7.28% increase in small producer productivity, benefiting 1,095 farmers who have improved their infrastructure, received technical support, and accessed co-investment opportunities for more sustainable production. They have also obtained financing through the Foundation’s Credit Unit, further enhancing their productive capacities," added Laborde.

Uniban has been awarded the EcoVadis Bronze Medal, a globally recognized sustainability rating. The EcoVadis evaluation places Uniban in the top 35% of companies assessed worldwide, with a 68% percentile ranking, demonstrating that its sustainability performance surpasses 68% of all evaluated companies. This recognition reinforces Uniban’s commitment to ethical labor practices, environmental responsibility, and sustainable sourcing.

In the environmental sphere, the Uniban Foundation has achieved significant milestones, including:

• Planting more than 50,000 trees
• Restoring 117 hectares of forest
• Creating 3,200 meters of biological corridors
• Establishing four elevated wildlife crossings to facilitate species monitoring.

Uniban is also focused on wildlife conservation

"As part of this commitment, we actively contribute to the protection of the cotton-top tamarin (Saguinus oedipus), an endemic species from this region of Colombia that is currently endangered, by supporting habitat conservation and monitoring programs," concluded Manuel Laborde, CEO of Uniban.

Additionally, the foundation has developed the first certified native forest seed orchard in Antioquia, a department in northwestern Colombia, with environmental certification from Colombian authorities. This initiative further reaffirms Uniban’s commitment to environmental sustainability, ensuring the preservation of native species and ecosystems.