Palmas de Tumaco: Enduring, Trusting, and Transforming in Colombia’s Pacific Coast

Co-written with Palmas de Tumaco

For over 40 years, Palmas de Tumaco has put down deep roots in Alto Mira, a region on Colombia’s Pacific coast marked by historical challenges — but also by a collective strength that refuses to give up.

This is not just a story about palm oil. It is the story of Palmas de Tumaco: a company that chose to stay, to believe in its people, and to grow alongside them. A company that listened to the land, learned from it, and understood that in order to endure, you must build on trust.

After the devastation caused by bud rot disease (Pudrición del Cogollo), many thought all was lost. But instead of leaving, the company chose to start again. In 2010, Palmas de Tumaco made the region’s largest commitment to replanting in the face of great technical uncertainty. How did they do it? With the strength of their team, the support of CENIPALMA, and above all, with the belief that it is possible to transform reality through commitment.

That same belief led the company on a five-year journey toward sustainability under the principles of the RSPO. It was not an easy process, but it was transformative — a time to re-evaluate practices, strengthen community ties, uphold labor rights, and care for the natural environment.

In 2025, that effort was recognised with RSPO Certification. Palmas de Tumaco became the first oil palm plantation in the world to achieve certification for a 100% hybrid planting unit under RSPO’s Principles and Criteria (P&C) standard.

More than just a seal, it is a symbol of purpose — a testament that responsible palm oil production is possible, with and for the people.

Today, with pride, Palmas de Tumaco tells a story with no end — a story of endurance, trust, and legacy, rooted in the land and its people.