"2024 Harvest and Logistics Challenges in Coffee Exports from Colombia"

"2024 Harvest and Logistics Challenges in Coffee Exports from Colombia"

Introduction:
The 2024 coffee harvest in Colombia promises to be excellent, but the export sector faces serious challenges due to infrastructure and logistics issues. Below, we explore what buyers need to know about the upcoming harvest and how logistical issues may affect the export of Colombian coffee.

1. Upcoming Harvest: Expectations and Preparations
The 2024 coffee harvest is generating great expectations about the upcoming harvest. However, to ensure that you receive their coffee on time, careful planning and execution are crucial, given the current logistical situation in Colombia.

From 2021 until the end of 2023, Colombia experienced a period marked by the La Niña phenomenon, resulting in uneven flowering and a significant decrease in coffee harvest volume during those years. Additionally, the high availability of water affected the concentration of sugars in the beans. However, this year, a much more abundant harvest is expected. Since November 2023 and throughout early 2024, the summer periods have been more intense than the winter ones, allowing for more concentrated flowering and, consequently, greater production.

Nonetheless, this good news comes with a challenge: coffee growers have had to implement a more rigorous borer management plan, as the climatic conditions favor the proliferation of this pest.

2. Logistical Challenges: The Impact of Infrastructure and Transportation
In Colombia, the lack of a robust railway system and the reliance on road transport have placed considerable pressure on the coffee supply chain. The absence of freight trains forces complete dependence on truck drivers, whose strikes can paralyze exports and increase logistical costs. A recent example shows how a truckers' strike negatively impacted exports, resulting in a 13% decrease and an increase in logistical costs by 17.9%.

3. Critical Planning for Exports: A Detailed Process
Proper logistical planning is vital. For example:

• Booking: For a shipment scheduled for September 20, planning should begin by September 9 at the latest.

• Coffee Preparation: Ensure the coffee is milled and meets export standards by September 11.

• Transport to Port: Schedule transport with certified companies, ensuring that trucks are secure and well-documented.

• Dispatch and Logistics: Plan at least 3-4 days before the port appointment. Security and punctuality are crucial to avoiding theft and losses.

4. Impact of Truckers' Strikes, Adaptation Strategies, Infrastructure and Transport Monopolies
Truckers' strikes have proven to be a significant threat to export punctuality. Colombian exporters often implement rollover strategies of two to three weeks to mitigate the risk of losses and delays. These tactics are essential to ensure the coffee's integrity during transit.
The lack of adequate infrastructure, such as rail transport and navigation on the Magdalena River, remains a barrier. The power of the truckers' union has hindered progress toward more efficient transport systems, keeping Colombia lagging compared to other countries.

5. Important Considerations for Buyers

• Thermal Impact: High temperatures can deteriorate coffee during transport if proper precautions are not taken.

• Security: Additional security measures are crucial to protect coffee from theft and damage.

• Planning: Proper planning is essential to mitigate the impacts of strikes and ensure the fulfillment of commercial commitments.

• Conclusion:
  Despite the logistical challenges Colombia faces,Meticulous planning and adaptation to changing conditions are key to ensuring timely and efficient exports. Connect with us to learn more about the 2024 harvest and how to ensure your shipment arrives smoothly.

Stay tuned and get timely updates on the upcoming harvest and Ambera's offer. Connect with us today, request samples, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest updates.

Relevant News:

• "Truckers' Strike in Colombia Affects Coffee Exports" - El Tiempo (September 5, 2024): Details how the recent truckers' strike affected the supply chain, resulting in a significant drop in exports and an increase in logistical costs.

• "Impact of the Truckers' Strike on Coffee Export: An Analysis" - Portafolio (September 7, 2024): A comprehensive analysis of how truckers' strikes have influenced coffee exports, with statistics on the drop in exports and increased costs.

• https://apnews.com/article/colombia-truckers-protest-fuel-subsidies-ef0b6e13829b1e6f6e006e95509a2c9e

• https://coffeegreenbeans.com/blogs/producers/how-trucker-strike-impact-coffee-exports-colombia

Relevant Images:

• Truckers' Protests in Colombia: Image showing roadblocks and stationary trucks during the strike.

• Conditions of Colombian Roads: Photograph depicting the state of national roads and logistical challenges.

These truck drivers would stop on the road and did not allow anyone to move, not even food or ambulances.

They moved along the national highways, blocking the passage of any driver.