Colombia may not be nearly as big a lime producer as some other Latin American countries like Mexico, Brazil or Peru, but exports have been growing significantly over recent years. 

Figures from trade promotion agency ProColombia show shipments increased from 3,034 metric tons (MT) in 2010 to 8,193MT last year.

One of the main companies driving this growth is Frutales Las Lajas, which according to commercial director Juan Carlos Sierra went from exporting just 30 containers in 2015 to 85 in 2016.

"This year we think we will export around 140 containers of limes, which would mean a 60% increase in our exports," he told Fresh Fruit Portal.

Sierra also explained the company had been improving its orchards, replacing older trees with newer ones.

"We have the advantage of having production year-round, with harvest peaks in April-May and from August to November," he said.

Volumes were largely dependent upon the weather, he said, but explained that if fruit couldn't be harvested from one region it could be sourced from another area of the country.

Tolima is the largest growing department in Colombia, producing a little more than a third of the country's limes, followed by Santander, which produces a quarter.

But Sierra explained that volumes in those areas were largely made up of segmented small-holder growers, whereas in Frutales' region of Cauca Valley the companies were larger.

"Our lime is similar to that of Tolima, it's very juicy, but they have a slightly warmer climate," he said.

"We currently have around 280 hectares, concentrated in the Cauca Valley, but we also have production in the department of Caldas, some 100 kilometers from here, which we use to complement our harvests."

Another 120 hectares will soon be added on.

The company has so far been focused on selling limes to China, Central America and the U.S., the latter receiving a quarter of Colombia's exports, but Sierra said the company was now looking to further penetrate Europe.

Exports to the old continent have been destined for the Netherlands, and this year saw the first sales in Germany.

"A month ago we sent some fruit to an importer and now we will carry out some more shipments. So far we have had a very good experience and we hope that it stays that way," he said.

But he highlighted the choice of market would always depend on the seasons.

"Currently our exporters are going to Chile and The Antilles (in the Caribbean), because as we have year-round production we try to make the most of commercial windows in all of our markets," he said.

"For example, when prices are attractive in Chile isn't necessarily when prices are attractive in Europe. We believe that all markets are important and you have to know how to make the most of them.

"I think that the lime industry is not easy, there's a lot of competition, but if we manage the crop well and achieve good quality fruit, and we know how the work the markets, we will continue on our good path. Slow but with a firm step."

Sierra explained the Achilles' heel of Colombian lime production was that costs still remained higher than in countries like Mexico and Brazil.

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