Bercomex, a Dutch flower processing specialist, embarked on an expansion journey in 2020 by establishing Bercomex Americas in Bogota, Colombia. Over the years, they have experienced remarkable growth, doubling the number of processing lines installed. Despite current challenges faced by growers, there continues to be a growing interest in their processing lines. In this article, Piet Stroet, Bercomex’s Sales Export Manager, sheds light on the Colombian market and Bercomex Americas’ journey and expansion.
Bercomex’s Impressive Growth:
From 30 to 60 Processing Lines Bercomex has maintained its presence in Bogota for nearly three years, and during this time, they have achieved substantial sales growth. What’s the secret to their success? Stroet explains, “Our primary focus is tailoring our products to meet the specific needs of growers. The flower processing methods on a Colombian farm differ from those on a Dutch farm, for instance. Therefore, we conduct a thorough analysis of farm-level processes before determining the most suitable machines or processing lines.” According to Stroet, the proximity of Bercomex Americas has played a pivotal role in this growth. “Being nearby is crucial. Colombian farms are quite extensive, with machines operating for many hours a day, sometimes even 24/7 during peak seasons. Regular maintenance and prompt service in case of breakdowns are imperative. We offer maintenance contracts and visit farms at least three times a year. Our mechanics are trained in the Netherlands, enabling them to apply Dutch expertise directly on Colombian farms.”
The Evolution of the Colombian Flower Industry How has the Colombian flower industry evolved in recent years? Stroet states, “It has witnessed significant growth, with substantial volumes being shipped to North America. Demand experienced a surge, especially during the Covid-19 years. Although growth slowed afterward, volumes still exceed those of the pre-Covid era. Additionally, we have observed numerous takeovers and expansions. Rising costs have made growers more cautious, but a stronger peso has provided some balance.”
Sustained Interest in Automation Amid rising costs, are growers still willing to invest in processing lines? According to Stroet, they are indeed willing. “As costs continue to rise, the need for greater efficiency becomes more pronounced, and automation presents a viable solution. Combined with the vast size of Colombian farms and the substantial number of flower stems requiring processing, automation not only reduces labor expenses but also streamlines processes and ensures the creation of more consistent flower bunches. While higher costs may lead growers to take a bit longer to make final decisions, their interest in automation remains strong. Therefore, we anticipate continued growth, albeit not at the same rapid pace as in recent years, but there is still an upward trajectory.”
Meet Bercomex Americas at Proflora For those interested in engaging with the Bercomex Americas team, they will be available at their booth during Proflora, scheduled from October 4-6 in Bogota. Don’t miss the opportunity to discover Bercomex’s contributions to the flower processing landscape and the future of sustainable automation in the Colombian flower industry.