Ecuador

Banana Exports From Ecuador Remain Positive

Mon, 29 Dec 2025 16:11:39 GMT

Ecuadorian banana exports recorded cumulative growth of 3.38% through November 2025, equivalent to 344.9 million boxes shipped, according to the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador.

The group notes that, while the year-to-date performance remains positive and close to 3%, November showed a slight slowdown compared with October, adding that expansion depends on a handful of key markets and only a partial improvement in weather conditions.

Over the year, export performance has shown two clearly differentiated phases. In the first half, the sector was most active between April and June, when cumulative growth exceeded 5%, driven by a strong monthly rebound. From July through September, the pace slowed, reflecting reduced seasonal demand and less favorable conditions.

Growth in Ecuadorian banana exports is highly concentrated, the association highlighted. Russia and the European Union account for more than half of the year’s total expansion. Russia has consolidated its position as the main growth driver, with annual growth close to 17% and a contribution of more than 3 percentage points, while the European Union contributes around 2.2 percentage points with annual growth of 7.6%.

The Middle East and the U.S. also support the positive result, though with more moderate contributions. In contrast, exports to regions such as Africa, Central Asia, the United Kingdom, Oceania and the Southern Cone continue to contract. The association says this shows Ecuador’s positive performance in banana exports is driven by the selective recovery of a few markets rather than a generalized improvement in global demand.

On the production side, improved weather conditions in November helped stabilize export supply. On average, temperatures increased slightly year-on-year, while bagging activity rose by about 0.8%. Both conditions are consistent with a more favorable environment for productivity and harvest scheduling. Although week-to-week variability persists, these averages suggest some relief compared with the cooler conditions seen in previous months, supporting the export rebound in November.

This performance is also in line with developments in the European market, where by late November a slight improvement in demand and a gradual reduction in inventories were observed. After several weeks of downward pressure on prices, consumption stabilization helped slow stock accumulation and halt price erosion, creating a slightly more favorable environment for Latin American exports, the association says.

Fresh Opportunity: SanLucar, Sun World Reach Deal for Table Grapes in Ecuador

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 14:55:51 GMT

Last week the Spain-based SanLucar, an international produce supplier, signed an exclusive production and export agreement with Sun World, a global fruit variety development and licensing company. The collaboration will focus specifically on developing new types of table grapes and varieties for production in Ecuador.

“At SanLucar, we strongly believe that innovative varieties and sustainability should go hand in hand,” SanLucar CEO Armin Rehberg said in a news release. “This agreement with Sun World not only strengthens our position as industry leaders but also enables us to continue offering our consumers exceptional fruits, known for their great taste and grown in harmony with people and nature.”

SanLucar has worked intensively for many years to establish a sustainable and efficient agricultural model in Ecuador. The company says this agreement with Sun World is another milestone in that effort.

The collaboration will allow the company to combine its experience in production, development and marketing with access to high-quality genetic material, SanLucar says. Additionally, it will not only allow SanLucar to cultivate these varieties on its own farms but also grant sublicenses to other interested and capable producers within the framework of partnerships. This opens a new chapter for the fruit industry, especially in Ecuador, creating opportunities for joint growth and sustainable development, according to the company.

Dole launches premium dragon fruit program in North America

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 20:48:44 GMT

Dole Food Co. is now offering dragon fruit to consumers across the western U.S. and Canada.

Grown under ideal conditions in Ecuador, Dole Dragon Fruit is meticulously cultivated to meet the company’s rigorous quality standards, according to a news release.

The fruit is imported in Dole’s atmosphere-controlled containers, which the release said results in less dehydration of the fruit compared to more common noncontainerized shipping.

The release said the dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, has become increasingly popular in recent years for health benefits that include:

Rich in antioxidants — Dragon fruit is loaded with antioxidants like vitamin C, which help protect the body against free radicals and promote healthy skin.
Low in calories — Dragon fruit has just 60 calories and 3 grams of fiber per serving, making it a perfect choice for those looking to maintain a healthy weight.
High in fiber — Dragon fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, providing 3g per serving. Fiber aids in digestion and promoting a feeling of fullness.
Vitamin-packed — Dragon fruit is packed with essential vitamins like vitamin B, vitamin B12 (cobalamin), and iron, which contribute to overall well-being and energy.
Hydrating — With its high-water content, dragon fruit helps keep you hydrated, especially in warm climates.
Deliciously unique — Dragon fruit’s sweet and mildly tangy flavor with tiny edible black seeds provides a delightful and unique taste experience.

“Dole is constantly responding to market demands with its innovative product offerings,” Nelson Montoya, president of Dole Fresh Fruit North America, said in the release. “We are excited to bring the incredible flavors and health benefits of dragon fruit to households across the western U.S. and Canada. This exotic fruit aligns perfectly with Dole’s dedication to providing our customers with the very best in fresh produce.”

dVida provides update on mango shipments from Ecuador

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 17:06:29 GMT

Houston-based tropical fruit shipper, exporter and importer dVida says it initial shipments of mangoes from Ecuador will be arriving in the U.S. in October and will continue through January.

“Last year the mango supply was tight through the third and fourth quarters, however, we still supplied mangoes throughout that period. We provide a full-service logistics solution, operating door-to-door and from farm to your back dock,” dVida CEO Annabell Vidal said in a news release.

Ecuador serves as dVida’s primary hub for tropical fruits, according to the company, which also procures mangoes from Peru, Brazil and Guatemala. This strategic sourcing approach provides a continuous supply chain, moving from one country to the next as each season begins.

“We are able to maximize availability to our customers by leveraging each of these countries’ diverse climate zones, rich soils, varied altitudes, abundant sunlight and water availability to export mangoes, securing a steady supply to our global markets,” said Ana Paula Jacome, commercial director for dVida.

dVida is a family-owned business, founded and led by women, specializing in the wholesale distribution of premium tropical fruits, the release said, and is backed by a team of seasoned agronomists with over 35 years of industry expertise.

“Our company blends generational expertise with a deep-rooted commitment to sustainability,” Jacome said. Our commitment to quality control, streamlined logistics and exceptional customer service sets dVida as a trusted supplier in the produce distribution sector.”

The company says it is dedicated to delivering fresh produce to markets spanning the U.S. and beyond, with 35 years’ experience in the produce industry and 15 of those years performing product quality inspections.

“Our team’s knowledge and experience enable us to meticulously select mangoes, assuring exceptional flavor and adherence to high-grade standards. Our mangoes are certified to guarantee the highest standards of freshness, taste and safety in our products,” Jacome said.

Its mango products include a selection of varieties including tommy atkins, kent and keitt, available in sizes ranging from 6 to 12. dVida says it uses both maritime and air transport for importing its fruit, based on the customer requirements and needs.

Organics Unlimited sets retail display contest for GROW bananas

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:12 GMT

Organics Unlimited , San Diego, is celebrating the 15th anniversary of the GROW (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers) Month in September.

The campaign starts Sept. 1 and focuses on consumer awareness through the media and retailers, according to a news release. A display contest is available for retailers that stock to GROW brand bananas .

GROW promotes sustainability practices, and education and health care to worker communities where Organics Unlimited sources bananas in Mexico and Ecuador.

A portion of GROW-labeled organic bananas go to funds to help those communities. Since 2005, the program has raised $2.7 million.

“We’re thrilled that our social responsibility program over the past 15 years has made a real difference and helped communities where health care, social services and environmental education are needed,” Mayra Velazquez de León, president and CEO of Organics Unlimited and GROW, said in the release. “With everything that’s happened in 2020, we are eager to celebrate GROW by looking back at our successes and looking forward to an incredible future.”

Consumers can support the program by buying the bananas and sharing #VoteGROW2020 on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Related stories:

Organics Unlimited GROW tours showcase social responsibility

Organics Unlimited to celebrate GROW Month

Organics Unlimited GROW Month highlights worker initiatives

Dragon fruit gives consumers a #microescape

Tue, 15 Nov 2022 07:36:45 GMT

Frieda’s Specialty Produce, Los Alamitos, Calif., suggests retailers should carry dragon fruit to give consumers an escape.

“Spending a summer largely stuck at home, shoppers are looking for little escapes — aka #microescapes — to flee the mundane aspects of everyday life,” according to a news release.

A May 2020 C+R Research Omnibus Survey found that 44% of consumers think consuming tropical fruits, like dragon fruit, makes it feel more like summer.

“With such high demand and strong supply, now is the perfect time to build inviting dragon fruit displays which showcase all three varieties in order to make your store the preferred shopping destination,” Alex Berkley, director of sales at Frieda’s Specialty Produce, said in the release.

Frieda’s red dragon fruit is imported from Nicaragua, and yellow dragon fruit is imported from the Amazon rainforest in Ecuador.

“(Point-of-sale) signage is an easy way to show the flesh and highlight the differences,” Berkley said in the release. “We suggest featuring yellow dragon fruit, which we call the gateway dragon fruit because it is so sweet.”

Related articles:
Local, regional produce gains consumer interest
Officials remove Medfly quarantine in California County
Specialty tropical fruit demand picks up

International Banana Conference goes virtual

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:06:27 GMT

The International Banana Convention 2020 will be an online event for the first time because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event, organized by the Association of Ecuadorian Banana Exporters , will be Oct. 5-8.

The event features a comprehensive agenda for those involved in the international banana supply chain, according to a news release, including growers, exporters, buyers, consultants and packaging and logistics companies.

“As we reinvent ourselves as an association, we have built an event of international importance that responds to the current needs of producers, exporters, and suppliers,” Marianella Ubilla, president of the Association of Ecuadorian Banana Exporters (AEBA), said in the release.

“This meeting will allow us to exchange views with global markets,” Ubilla said in the release.

Ecuador is the largest exporter of bananas. From January-June, sales of Ecuadorian bananas increased by almost 9% to all markets, compared to the previous year, despite the pandemic.

Ecuador’s banana exports to the U.S. in 2019 were almost $400 million in value; and almost $299 million from January to June, including baby bananas and organic bananas, according to the association.

Organics Unlimited uses disaster relief funds in crisis

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:11:11 GMT

Organics Unlimited , San Diego, is using funds from its Disaster Relief GROW sub-fund to help workers during the COVID-19 crisis.

The GROW (Giving Resources and Opportunities to Workers) program was created to support the communities in which Organics Workers live, according to president and CEO Mayra Velazquez de Leon.

“During this time, it’s more important than ever to come together as a community, so to that end, we have deployed funds from our Disaster Relief GROW Sub-fund which was designed for situations such as the current COVID-19 global pandemic,” she said in a news release.

The funds will buy additional personal protective equipment and respirators for clinic providers and support the San Diego Workers Assistance Initiative, which serves people affected by layoffs and reduced working hours.

The company is monitoring the grower communities in Ecuador and Mexico “to identify additional organizations to support people there during this sensitive time,” according to the release.

Related stories:

Organics Unlimited GROW tours showcase social responsibility

Organics Unlimited marks 20 years

Ecuador: Harvests and exporting continues during pandemic

Fri, 23 Sep 2022 18:09:49 GMT

Ecuador’s fruit and vegetable exports are not being diminished by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Pro Ecuador , the country’s export promotion authority.

Harvesting, packing and shipping from Ecuadorian ports continue, and an initial shortage of containers has been resolved, according to a news release from Pro Ecuador. Some shipments have encountered delays, however, compounded by some shipping line services being reduced.

“This is an unprecedented situation throughout the globe but we wish to reassure our customers that Ecuador will not stop exporting; we will continue to supply high quality, safe food to our markets in the U.K., Europe, North America, and worldwide,” Juan Carlos Yépez Franco, trade commissioner of Ecuador in the London and Hamburg Pro Ecuador offices, said in the release.

As in the U.S., Ecuador saw a spike in demand for food in the early days of the pandemic, but there’s been a slight decrease in fresh produce orders.
Exports are still undergoing the appropriate phytosanitary controls and certifications for exports and good agricultural practices continue, Yépez Franco said.

“So far, Ecuador’s fresh produce suppliers have managed to keep their operations going,” he said in the release. “Exporters, likewise, continue to do their best to ship products as scheduled, although some delays have been inevitable because of shipping lines reducing the frequency of their services. Concerns regarding a shortage of packaging materials thankfully have not been realized, at least not up to now.”

To see more information on import and exports during the pandemic, see The Packer’s COVID-19 news updates webpage .

Related stories:

Ecuador kicks off fruit export program promoting sustainability

Ecuador eyes Florida’s Port Manatee for exports

Importer-exporter banking on Ecuadorian tropicals

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 20:05:59 GMT

Houston-based import and exporter dVida Co. plans to share the latest fresh, frozen, dehydrated tropical fruits and vegetables from Ecuador with fresh produce professionals this October at the International Fresh Produce Association Global Produce & Floral Show in Anaheim, Calif., according to a news release.

A family-owned business and woman-owned company, dVida brings 15 years’ experience providing agricultural inspections and sourcing to clients with quality products that ensure cold chain integrity from the origin to final destination, the release said.

“Unique attributes of our Ecuadorian year-round fruit deal are our focus on quality, speed, and consistency. We have complete control and management of the production, packaging and streamlining logistics to assure product shelf life for our customers,” Annabell Vidal, dVida’s CEO, said in the release.

Related news: Merchandising inspiration: Flaunt your tropicals

Additionally, dVida sources tropical fruits and vegetables from Colombia, Peru, Brazil and Mexico to ensure year-round supply for clients.

“The vast distinction of Ecuadorian agriculture, other than its capability to year-round production, is variety,” Vidal said. “A variety of fresh tropical fruit and vegetable sizes are grown as a result of our lush rainforest and humid subtropical climate. These varying sizes meet commodity requirements that are earmarked for markets requiring size specifications and uses.”

Tropical fruit is dVida’s focus, which includes a specialty in mangoes. Ecuador ranks as third-largest mango importing country to the U.S., and dVida is currently on schedule to ship over 2 million pounds of mango this year, the release said.

“Among our diversified product offerings, our specialty is mangoes,” Vidal said in the release. “Mangoes are an increasingly high demand fruit among U.S. retailers and we have seen a driving demand from clients due to the increased per capita consumption of mango amongst U.S. consumers.”

Added to this, dragon fruit is an up-and-coming fruit that is gaining recognition with U.S. consumers and dVida has been able to add both yellow and red dragon fruit to its product list, the release said.

“Ecuador has become the number one producer of dragon fruit in South America and is ranked eighth in dragon fruit exportation worldwide. The quality of the Ecuadorian dragon fruit has been recognized in regions like Europe, Asia, and North America,” Vidal said in the release.