In a milestone that promises to mark a turning point for fruit and floriculture in Colombia, the Afanador family (Proplantas Colombia) and the Goycoolea family (Grupo Hijuelas, Chile) have joined forces to bring COL Jardines to life—a new agricultural and technological platform designed to guide Colombian and regional agribusinesses into a new phase of maturity, innovation, and international expansion.
COL Jardines is more than a joint venture. It is the materialization of a relationship built on shared values, complementary family visions, and a deep passion for agricultural development. As recalled by Gaspar Goycoolea, President of Grupo Hijuelas, “this partnership comes to life after years of collaboration and encounters, originally connected through a key figure for both families: Mr. Víctor Moller, founder of Hortifrut, who served as the bridge between us.”
The alliance between Grupo Hijuelas and Proplantas has long been envisioned by both families, particularly in a context where the Colombian agricultural market calls for renewed momentum. Proplantas, with more than 15 years of experience leading the introduction of blueberries in Colombia through plant supply, has built a strong and consolidated network of growers. Today, through COL Jardines, the objective is to offer producers a new level of competitiveness by providing access to cutting-edge genetics propagated in partnership with Grupo Hijuelas.
“This project is not driven by short-term economic ambition, but by the desire to create real opportunities for transformation in Colombian agriculture,” emphasizes Luis Carlos Afanador, General Manager of Proplantas and Hortifrut Colombia. “Our goal is to take producers to a new level, with varieties and technologies that truly enable them to compete in global markets.”
Gaspar Goycoolea, President of Grupo Hijuelas, and Luis Carlos Afanador, General Manager of Proplantas, signing the documents marking the beginning of COL Jardines.
Tribute and Forward Vision
The name COL Jardines was chosen deliberately. It pays tribute to the first company founded more than 50 years ago by Mr. Gerardo Afanador—father of Luis Carlos—dedicated to floriculture. Reviving this name and giving it new momentum at this stage, according to Luis Carlos, “is a recognition of his pioneering vision and a way of projecting that legacy into the future.”
The initial focus of COL Jardines will be on the development of soft fruits, particularly blueberries, strawberries, and cherries, incorporating new genetics adapted to Colombian growing conditions.
These efforts aim not only to validate species and production methods, but also to promote a model of technology transfer in service of agricultural competitiveness, adds Juan Ignacio Goycoolea Sone, CEO of Grupo Hijuelas. “We will provide agricultural entrepreneurs with a portfolio of genetics validated for production and demanded by the market. Through this alliance, we represent a technology platform offering high-standard varieties for Colombian producers.”
“We seek to build a new dimension for Colombian agriculture, with a serious, long-term proposal rooted in teamwork, innovation, and continuous support for producers and investors,” says Adriana Afanador of Proplantas, also part of the founding team. “COL Jardines brings together two family groups that share the same spirit: a passion for the land and a strong commitment to development.”
With this alliance, Colombian agriculture not only revives a name rich in history, but also takes a decisive step toward the future—opening new opportunities and consolidating a binational platform that aspires to become a benchmark for collaboration, innovation, and growth in Latin America.
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