Sigifredo Diaz Benavides

Sigifredo Díaz Benavides was CEO of Avocados del Quindío in Colombia, an agro-industrial company specialized in producing cold-pressed extra virgin avocado oil, with no chemicals or refining. Under his leadership, the company managed to export its products to more than 12 countries in less than two years, establishing itself as a regional benchmark in agri-food innovation and operational sustainability.

An economist from Universidad Autónoma de Colombia, with a master's degree in Economic and Financial Administration from Universidad Tecnológica de Pereira, Sigifredo built a career of more than 15 years in managing social projects, economic development, labor inclusion and strengthening vulnerable communities. His experience combined the design, execution and evaluation of projects funded by third-sector organizations, public agencies and international cooperation.

Before entering the agro-industrial sector, he was Project Coordinator at CHF (2005–2008), leading development initiatives with a territorial approach. Later, at Grupo Social Arcángeles, he held the position of Social Capital Manager, managing programs on inclusion, human rights and community development in highly vulnerable contexts. In 2012, he was also an advisor to the Directorate of Children and Adolescents at the Colombian Family Welfare Institute (Instituto Colombiano de Bienestar Familiar), taking part in public policies related to childhood.

From 2012, he took on the General Management of Avocados del Quindío, where he not only directed the productive transformation of an innovative agro-industrial plant, but also drove a rapid internationalization strategy based on quality, sustainability and differentiation of origin. In parallel, he founded and led two other companies: Logística y Mercados, dedicated to wholesale food trade, and Dracoprint Technology, focused on producing adhesive labels, demonstrating an outstanding ability to diversify and scale business models in complementary industries.

Sigifredo was recognized for his strategic approach, his ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and his commitment to social impact, even in business contexts. His experience combined the technical rigor of economics and finance with a keen sensitivity for human and community development. This convergence allowed him to successfully lead complex commercial operations while at the same time driving sustainable value chains in the Colombian agro-industrial sector.