Uniban, Colombia's largest banana exporter and the fifth-largest global marketer of bananas, plantains, exotic fruits, and value-added products, is adjusting its approach to European markets, which account for about 90% of its exports. The company has introduced a new business unit, Uniban Logistics, to integrate port services, transport, warehousing, and packaging supplies.
© Uniban
The logistics unit will be linked to Puerto Antioquia, a port development scheduled to open at the end of 2025. The port will include ship-to-shore cranes, a 1,340-metre-long quay, and berths for large-capacity vessels. According to the company, the facility is expected to reduce transit times and cold chain costs for exports to Europe.
Brand strategy in Europe
Alongside the logistics expansion, Uniban is strengthening the position of its banana brands Turbana and Tropy in Europe. The strategy focuses on traceability, certification, and long-term cooperation with retailers. "Europe rewards origin and transparency. With Turbana and Tropy, we are strengthening our offering with traceability from Colombia, demanding certifications, and a social model that guarantees living wages," said Manuel Laborde, CEO of Uniban.
© Uniban
Turbana, created in 1970, remains the company's main international brand and also includes value-added products marketed under Turbana Foods. Tropy, a private label brand of Uniban's Belgian subsidiary TMA – Tropical Marketing Associated, supports market coverage and the "Fullbunch" program, which seeks to optimise the use of different banana qualities.
Certification and compliance
Uniban supplies European retailers with bananas certified under GLOBALG.A.P., GRASP, Rainforest Alliance, and Fairtrade standards. These certifications cover agricultural practices, food safety, worker conditions, and traceability. Retail initiatives coordinated by IDH – The Sustainable Trade Initiative have also set goals for closing wage gaps in banana production. For instance, Dutch retailers aim to reduce the gap by 75% by 2025, and Belgian retailers by 2027.
© Uniban
Labour and environmental standards
In coordination with unions, associations, and collective agreements, Uniban has committed to labour improvements. An agreement in Urabá covering 2023–2027 provides for a 14% wage increase, while work with producers in Magdalena continues on worker welfare. The company also reports participation in pilot programs supported by European supermarkets, IDH, and GIZ, designed to test wage and compliance mechanisms.
Uniban has also received certification as "Wildlife Friendly," recognising measures to protect biodiversity in production areas.
© UnibanFor more information:
Uwe Schmidt
Industrie-Contact AG
Tel: +49 40 899 666 25
Email: [email protected]
www.industrie-contact.de