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On December 13, 2022, Colombia's Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MINHEALTH) issued Resolution 2492 of 2022, an amendment of Resolution 810 of 2021 that establishes new front-of-pack label requirements, nutrition profiles, and additional definitions for sweeteners, ultra-processed food, minimally processed food, food products without processing, and processed food products.

While Colombia's regulatory environment remains friendly toward the adoption of biotech-derived commodities and other innovative technologies, Congressional anti-biotechnology initiatives continue posing a threat, risking the benefits to consumers and the agricultural sector. In 2021, genetically engineered corn area planted grew 31 percent, reaching record figures, and genetically engineered cotton area planted recovered 55 percent compared to 2020.

Excessive rains and cloudiness in the last two years have suppressed Colombia's coffee production. In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, Post forecasts Colombian production at 12.6 million bags of green bean equivalent (GBE) coffee. Although local prices remain high, weather conditions are expected to continue affecting crop productivity.

Colombia’s economy is projected to grow at a slower pace in 2023, restricting a more substantial growth in demand for grains in marketing year (MY) 2022/23. Although the United States continues to be the main sourcing option for Colombian importers of corn given trade preferences under the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement and geographical advantages, increasing competition from Brazilian and Argentinian corn is expected.

This report outlines Colombia’s requirements for import permits and export certificates for multiple food products for human and animal consumption. It also provides a list of the Colombian government agencies involved in the entry of imported food products.

This report is an annual update of the food import standards and enforcement mechanisms in Colombia. It includes updates on nutritional labeling, biotechnology and new information on sustainable packaging policies and trade facilitation in Colombia.

Although the Hotel Restaurant Institutional (HRI) sector in Colombia performed better in 2021, compared to 2020, the sector still faced challenges that hindered a full recovery from the pandemic, including social unrest and high food prices.

In 2022, Colombia's fuel ethanol and biodiesel production are estimated to decrease to 360 million liters and 700 million liters, respectively, as a result of adverse weather conditions and lower blend mandates.

During 2021, the Colombian retail sector recovered and grew, following a challenging year caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, the sector’s growth is uncertain due to high food prices and a new administration that will assume power in August 2022.

Colombia is a major cocoa producer, ranking tenth globally in total output. In 2021, Colombia produced 65,174 MT of cocoa with a planted area of 194,428 hectares. Colombia has 2.8 million hectares of land suitable for cocoa growth and is a major producer of fine or flavor cocoa.

In marketing year (MY) 2022/23, Colombia's coffee production is forecast to remain unchanged at 13 million bags of green bean equivalent (GBE). Although weather conditions are expected to be normal, crop productivity has the potential to be negatively impacted as a result of lower fertilizer use due to rising prices.

On May 5, 2022, trade and finance ministers from East African Community (EAC) member countries agreed to raise minimum common external tariffs from 25 to 35 percent on several agricultural products.