Why is Colombia an attractive destination for processed food companies?
The industries of the country of beauty have made significant strides in consolidating themselves as competitive options for investors. This is achieved by improving production processes and adding value to their products, transforming Colombia's rich natural resources into goods that impact domestic, regional, and global markets.
One of these industries is the processed food industry, which has been driven by the talent of Colombians and, as it is integrated within the agribusiness and food production sector, is an important part of the country’s economy.
And it’s partly this what has convinced large international companies and food processing companies to invest in the country and bring their operations here. One of these cases is Nestlé, which has found the beauty of Colombia in the opportunities that the country offers to agribusiness companies.
Here we tell you what those opportunities are and three main reasons why Colombia is an attractive destination for companies and investors in the food processing sector.
1. Natural wealth
As part of the agricultural sector, the processed food industry requires certain natural conditions to thrive. In the case of Colombia, the country has characteristics that make it a unique place in this aspect.
It is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world and the variety of climates allows the cultivation of a wide range of plant species, such as potatoes and exotic fruits. This is also boosted by the amount of fertile lands that Colombia has for agriculture.
Also, the country has ideal conditions for sustainable processed food production across approximately 40 million hectares of agricultural frontier with ample water availability.
All this has given Colombia a competitive advantage that very few countries in the world have: it has the capacity to maintain agricultural production throughout the year.
This not only results in unparalleled wealth in the quantity of fruits and foods, such as high-quality coffee and cocoa among other food products, but also offers this industry the possibility to have the necessary raw material all year round.
2. Colombian talent
Any international company will be able to distinguish that the talent of Colombians will drive the quality and quantity of its production from the very first moment. The Colombian workforce is made up of individuals who have been trained in the country’s universities that, in several cases, stand out in international rankings among the best in the continent and the world.
The entrepreneurial mindset of Colombians, combined with the working conditions policies that consider the needs of the companies, position Colombian talent as a key driver of the processed food sector in the country.
3. Market reach
Colombia's geographical position is strategic. Located in the heart of the Americas, the country has established itself as an export platform within the region. This means that it is a central point for the distribution of many goods to countries across the continent. This is further facilitated by the trade agreements that the country has with several others in the region, bolstered by Colombia's extensive network of trade agreements and well-developed air, land, and sea infrastructure.
In addition, in Colombia you will find a domestic market of more than 50 million people, which drives international companies interested in positioning themselves in large markets.
The case of Nestlé
Nestlé's history in Colombia dates back more than 100 years, when the company decided to arrive in the country of beauty. Throughout all these decades, the company has discovered that Colombia is a destination full of opportunities for the processed food sector. Felipe González, CEO at Nestlé Colombia, shared insights about this journey in our podcast Why Colombia.
For him, Colombia has several advantages, which can be summarized in the talent of its workers, the size of the domestic market, and the geographical and natural conditions of the country.
Moreover, during his conversation with ProColombia, González mentioned that Colombia has a great potential to grow in its agricultural production. These factors, among others, not only reinforce the company's interest to continue in the country, but also inspire plans for market expansion and continued investment in enhancing productivity.
If you are interested in learning more about this company's case, listen to this episode of Why Colombia podcast and discover how Colombia's beauty drives businesses. Also, if you are interested in learning more about the Colombian processed food sector, do not miss this content prepared by ProColombia to give you information that delves into this topic. Invest in Colombia and grow in a country with great growth potential.