Ecuador exports 300,000 boxes of banana per week to China

We got in touch with Eduardo Ledesma, president of the Association of Banana Exporters of Ecuador (AEBE), a few days before the XI International Forum of Bananas begins. 

This year, the country has increased its shipments of bananas to China up to 300,000 boxes per week and, according to Eduardo, there is potential to double that amount. 

"We are in our puberty, we are malleable, and we currently produce 1,500 to 1,600 boxes per hectare, while Guatemala, for example, produces up to 4,000. It wouldn't be difficult for us to produce 400 million boxes per year if we improved our productivity and took advantage of the amazing potential surface suitable for the production of banana that Ecuador has. This production volume would leave several competing countries outside the market," he said. 

According to Eduardo, one of the factors that could adversely affect Ecuador's competitiveness in the future is the possible increase in rates of the Panama Canal in 2015, since 80% of banana shipments pass through this route. 

"In the medium term, we have to double production and lower costs. I believe that if we do our job, Ecuador can reduce the cost by up to 1 dollar per box", which, according to Eduardo, is the strategy for dealing with the possible increases in the cost of transport. 

The XI International Forum of Bananas "Towards a greater competitiveness and productivity" will be held in Guayaquil from October 14 to 17 and will host more than 3,000 domestic and foreign visitors in 3000 meters. It will feature exhibitors that are connoisseurs of the current banana sector. Simultaneously, a trade fair will be held with members of the chain, to perform contacts or business. 

"We want the forum to be the equivalent of the Fruit Logistica for the banana sector," concluded the president AEBE. 

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