Colombia is set to make its largest appearance at the PLMA Chicago 2025 private-label trade show, bringing a delegation of 14 companies from sectors including processed foods, cosmetics, cleaning, and chemical products. The effort is led by ProColombia, the national promotion agency.
The Colombian presence comes after a period of growth in exports to the United States. In 2024, U.S. imports of Colombian chemicals and life sciences reached $404 million, marking an 8% increase over the previous year. Cosmetics exports rose by 22% to $378 million, while household cleaning product exports increased nearly 13% to $197 million.
Between 2020 and 2024, Colombia’s agribusiness sector also saw significant gains in U.S.-bound exports. Subsector increases included other oils and fats (up 75.8%), coffee derivatives (up 8%), processed fruits and vegetables (up 17.1%), sugar confectionery (up 26.4%), and cocoa derivatives (up 43.9%). The trend continued into early 2025: from January through July, coffee derivatives were up more than 61%, processed fruits and vegetables grew almost 17%, cocoa derivatives surged by over 177%, and sugar confectionery increased by more than a quarter.
In terms of market position according to USDA data, Colombia is now the world’s second-largest supplier of organic sugar and roasted coffee to the United States. It ranks as the third-largest Latin American supplier of fish fillets, fifth globally for coffee derivatives, seventh for cane sugar, and tenth for sugar confectionery.
“There is no doubt that Colombia offers an agile, reliable, and strategic export platform for private-label brands, thanks to direct connectivity with major U.S. ports, competitive transit times ranging from three to sixteen days, and flexible production conditions. This logistical advantage positions Colombia as an ideal partner for brands seeking operational efficiency without compromising quality or sustainability,” said Carmen Caballero, President of ProColombia.
“With 14 companies—ranging from first-time exhibitors to seasoned exporters—2025 marks our largest and most diverse presence yet, and we are excited to introduce these innovative Colombian brands to buyers at the show,” Caballero added.
The participating companies reflect global trends toward sustainability and health-focused products across multiple categories such as processed foods; personal care; hair care; cleaning; cosmetics; and chemical products.
Química Orión will present eco-friendly cleaning solutions made under a circular economy model using digital traceability systems with solar energy powering most production processes. ECO PACS from Deterquin S.A.S., will showcase ultra-concentrated cleaners packaged in pouches containing post-consumer resin aimed at reducing plastic waste while maintaining performance standards.
Berhlan de Colombia brings experience in manufacturing homecare products for numerous brands internationally with high capacity output at competitive prices.
Brinsa S.A., recognized domestically for salt production as well as household cleaners like bleach and detergents under both private labels and its own Refisal/Blancox brands provides fast export services across several countries.
ProColombia also highlights food manufacturers ready for U.S.-based private-label programs: Colanta operates as a cooperative representing grass-fed milk producers with U.S.-certified dairy facilities; Levapan holds international food safety certifications; Un Solo Proveedor manufactures tortillas on a large scale with FSSC certification; Al Fresco supplies IFS-certified preserves; MUII seeks new collaborations in private labeling; Alimentos Nebraska produces dulce de leche/sweetened condensed milk meeting HACCP/GMP standards based on years serving top retailers—all meeting rigorous safety benchmarks required by U.S buyers.
These efforts underscore why Colombia has become a trusted source for consistent private-label goods across various sectors sought after by American importers.
