Westfalia Fruit pushes zero waste goal through Whole Tree approach

GLOBAL – Westfalia Fruit says it continues to increase value across its avocado supply chain through its Whole Tree approach, a strategy that seeks to use every part of the avocado tree and every grade of fruit.

The global avocado supplier stated that the fresh produce sector faces climate pressure, supply chain strain, and higher input costs. In response, the company applies a full crop system that directs fruit to the right market channel and reduces loss at every stage.

Under this model, Westfalia supplies fresh avocados across quality tiers including good, better, best, and organic. It also produces guacamole, smashed avocado, pulp, oil, dried, frozen, and IQF products. When fruit fails to meet fresh market standards, teams redirect it into processing lines to maintain supply and limit waste.

A company spokesperson said the goal remains clear. “We want to use the full value of every avocado we grow or source. The Whole Tree approach helps us reduce waste while supporting growers, customers, and consumers,” the spokesperson said.

Turning by products into commercial inputs

Westfalia has invested more than seven years in research to extract value from avocado skins and stones. The company now works toward an integrated process that converts these materials into cosmetics inputs, natural pigments, colourants, fibre, starch, and packaging materials.

Instead of sending these by products to compost or anaerobic digesters, Westfalia processes them into commercial materials. “We see strong potential in materials that many once viewed as low value,” the spokesperson said. “Our research teams continue to refine how we extract and apply these compounds at scale.”

Westfalia operates in 17 countries across five continents. Its research division, Westfalia Technological Services, supports varietal development and environmental work across the group’s global footprint.

Colombia expansion supports long term supply

This Whole Tree strategy follows recent growth in Colombia, where Westfalia has built a long term production model focused on farm selection, plant genetics, and post-harvest control.

The company manages close to 1,500 acres of avocado orchards in the country and partners with local growers. According to Omar Díaz, General Manager for Westfalia Fruit Peru and Colombia, expansion depends on strong agronomic and commercial results.

“Our expansion strategy is not based on planting for the sake of planting, but on ensuring viable projects at an agronomic and commercial level,” Díaz said. He added that the company expects export volumes from Colombia to rise by 10 to 15 percent each year.

Westfalia will present its Whole Tree model at Fruit Logistica 2026 in Berlin, where it plans to meet customers and partners to discuss its zero waste focus and structured growth plans.

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