As part of their partnership in Colombia, South Africa-based Westfalia Group and Chile-based Agricom have opened what is reported to be the largest avocado packhouse in the country.

"This inauguration is a reflection of the increased investor confidence in Colombia and it is a true bet on the region's development," Pedro Aguilar-Niño, general manager of Westfalia Fruit Colombia, was quoted as saying by Portafolio.

The facility is based in the municipality of Sonsón in the Antioquia region, one of the biggest Hass-growing areas.

A line developed by New Zealand-based Compac has been fitted in the packhouse, which can process more than 20 metric tons (MT) per house and during 2019 is expected to achieve a capacity of three to four million kilograms, initially destined for the European market.

Combined with its packhouse in the municipality of Guarne in the same region, the joint entity will be able to export 9,000 metric tons (MT) annually, according to the article.