Colombia’s Private-Label Revolution Hits PLMA Chicago 2025

Chicago, IL – November 7th, 2025. Colombia will make its largest-ever showing at the world’s premier private-label trade show with a delegation of 15 companies spanning processed foods, cosmetics, cleaning, and chemical products. Led by ProColombia, the national promotion agency, this diverse group demonstrates the country’s export capacity, innovation, and growing influence in U.S. and global markets.

This year’s delegation arrives on the heels of a noteworthy growth trajectory in exports to the United States. In 2024, U.S. imports of Colombian chemicals and life sciences reached USD 404 million, an 8% increase from 2023. Cosmetics exports grew by 22% to USD 378 million, and household cleaning products rose nearly 13% to USD 197 million. 

The country’s agribusiness sector has also posted strong growth in recent years. Between 2020 and 2024, several subsectors recorded significant increases in exports to the U.S.: other oils and fats grew 75.8% (+USD 56.9 million), coffee derivatives rose 8.0% (+USD 53.4 million), processed fruits and vegetables grew 17.1% (+USD 50.1 million), sugar confectionery increased 26.4% (+USD 29.1 million), and cocoa derivatives surged 43.9% (+USD 27.8 million).

This upward trend has continued in 2025, with January–July growth showing coffee derivatives up 61.3%, processed fruits and vegetables up 16.8%, cocoa derivatives soaring 177.4% (+USD 23.4 million), and sugar confectionery rising 26.4% (+USD 6.9 million). In 2024, nearly 80% of Colombia’s processed agribusiness exports to the U.S. were concentrated in coffee derivatives, processed fruits and vegetables, cane sugar, fish fillets, various prepared foods (mainly sauces), other oils and fats, bakery and milling products, and sugar confectionery.

According to USDA data, Colombia has become a major U.S. supplier: the world’s second-largest supplier of organic sugar and roasted coffee, the third-largest Latin American supplier of fish fillets, the fifth-largest global supplier of coffee derivatives, the seventh-largest supplier of cane sugar, and the tenth-largest supplier of 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 15 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.

Innovation and Sustainability at the Forefront

Colombian companies are showcasing products that respond to global consumer trends, particularly in sustainability, health, and sensory experiences. The delegation reflects the country’s wide-ranging capabilities, from processed foods and agribusiness to cleaning, cosmetics (personal care, hair care), and chemical products, demonstrating consistency, reliability, and innovation across sectors.

One of the companies coming to the show this year is Química Orión, for example, which emphasizes high-performance, eco-friendly cleaning solutions, produced under a circular economy model with digital traceability and solar energy powering 80% of production. Their portfolio includes ultra-concentrated detergents and dishwashing products, including a baby-safe formula that provides retailers with a private-label differentiator in the eco- and health-conscious household segment. ECO PACS, a unit of Deterquin S.A.S., is pioneering ultra-concentrated cleaners in flexible pouches made with 50% post-consumer resin, reducing plastic waste and CO₂ emissions while maintaining high product performance. Berhlan de Colombia brings over 26 years of experience to private-label manufacturing for 160 brands across 12 countries, offering homecare, laundry, and personal care products distinguished by high production capacity, consistent quality, and competitive pricing.

Brinsa S.A., Colombia’s leader in salt and household cleaners, provides end-to-end private-label manufacturing with fast export capabilities to over 12 countries, delivering bleach, detergents, and stain removers under both private labels and its own brands such as Refisal and Blancox. 

PROCOLOMBIA also highlights a group of Colombian food manufacturers ready to power U.S. private-label programs: Colanta, a farmer-owned cooperative representing most of Colombia’s grass-fed milk producers, is the country’s only U.S. Grade “A” PMO-certified dairy and one of only three in Latin America; Levapan is a premier private-label supplier with GFSI-recognized certifications; Un Solo Proveedor, among the hemisphere’s largest tortilla manufacturers, holds FSSC 22000; Al Fresco brings IFS-certified preserves; MUII is available for U.S. private-label collaboration; and Alimentos Nebraska offers HACCP- and GMP-certified dulce de leche and sweetened condensed milk backed by a decade of private-label delivery for top retailers. Together, these companies meet rigorous food-safety benchmarks—five with GFSI-recognized certifications and two with HACCP—and provide consistent, compliant, and innovative private-label solutions for U.S. buyers.

Together, these Colombian companies from multiple sectors illustrate why the country is a trusted partner for U.S. buyers seeking a wide, consistent, and reliable range of private-label products. 

For a full profile and complete list of all 14 Colombian participants at PLMA Chicago 2025, click here.

To discover Colombia’s full range of private-label innovations at PLMA Chicago 2025, visit us at Booth Food 1107 and Home & Health 806.