UK-based fresh produce company Fresca has formed a joint venture (JV) with Colombian Hass avocado grower Cartama to create Cartama UK, which will be engaged in the marketing of Cartama avocado production.

The new JV formalises an eight-year trading relationship between the two companies.

Cartama UK general manager Paul Frowde said: “Cartama have proved themselves time and again to be a world-class grower. We have developed a very special respect and the relationship between our companies, which I know will make this venture a great success.

“The high fruit volumes from Cartama UK add to and complement our existing supply base for avocados. I have every confidence that we have created a very different and very powerful proposition to suit the retail, wholesale and foodservice sectors.”

The new partnership would allow Cartama to enhance its market presence in the region and explore investment opportunities for future growth.

Cartama general manager Ricardo Uribe said: “This unio between our companies is formalising what has already been in place for some time. It’s a partnership between two companies who share the vision of providing the best quality Hass avocados to the UK and Europe.”