Ecuador, the fourth largest producer and exporter of pineapples worldwide, is registering an interesting growth in its sales. The main export markets are Chile (32%), Belgium (20%), Germany (11%), Argentina (10%), United Kingdom (8%) and Italy.
The structure of the market has changed in the last decade. In 2007 the United States was the main destination for the Ecuadorian pineapple with 34% of the total, today that country occupies 7th place with 4% participation.
The oversupply by Costa Rica to the United States meant very low prices in that market, which were manageable due to Costa Rica's lower production costs and their geographical proximity to the US.
This has reduced pineapple production in Ecuador since 2008. However, the pineapple production and export structure in Ecuador has been recovering, facing the problems of production and external sales in an efficient way and adaptating to the changing environment.
The current strategy of the Ecuadorian producers is "to reposition itself in traditional markets and expand the South American market in pineapple consumption," said Roberto Castillo, President of the National Association of Pineapple Producers of Ecuador.
Asopiña groups together 11 medium and large pineapple companies that represent about 90% of Ecuadorian pineapple exports.
For more information:
ASOPIÑA Asociación Nacional de Productores de Piña del EcuadorT: 5932-3790001
E: info@asopina-ecuador.com
www.asopina-ecuador.com