International demand for Ecuadorian plantain is growing in 2025, driven by the consumption of fresh fruit and the development of processed products such as chips and frozen ripe plantain. The United States is the main destination, and companies aim to expand their presence in Europe with snacks made from Barraganete plantains.
"The United States is currently our main market by export volume, both in fresh and in chips. Demand has grown notably, especially from Latin consumers and the restaurant channel," stated Juan Carlos Zambrano, Agropacífico del Ecuador's commercial manager.
The boom in the consumption of healthy snacks has also favored the entry of processed plantains into new segments. Agropacífico has introduced various plantain chip products, including sweet, green, spicy, garlic, lemon, and even ginger plantain chips. "Our most popular chip is still the classic one, but the sweet and spicy ones are also well received," Zambrano stated.
The company has begun exporting plantain snacks to Barcelona regularly. Although Europe is still not a consolidated market, Zambrano says that projections are positive and that they are actively seeking new customers. The company offers its products in 150, 300, and 450-gram presentations, in bags or cans, depending on the destination. A container can include between 10,500 and 11,000 units.
Zambrano stressed that the difference between their product and that of other producing countries, such as Colombia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, lies in quality: "Our banana is grown on certified farms, we select fresh fruit, and take care of the entire agricultural process. That ensures the texture, flavor, and durability of the final product."
Currently, no additional tariff is applied to Ecuadorian bananas exported to the United States. However, the possibility of a 10% tariff has been raised as part of new trade measures announced by the U.S. administration. According to Zambrano, the measure is not yet in force, and there is a 90-day waiting period for its implementation.
According to Agropacífico, this tariff would not have a significant impact on the product's competitiveness, as the high demand for Ecuadorian plantains in the United States, especially in cities such as Miami and New York, offsets the possible cost overrun.
Zambrano also mentioned that producers are currently paid 14 to 15 dollars per box, and that in markets such as the United States, the price of a box could reach up to 27 dollars, excluding export operating costs. Furthermore, the recent decrease in supply from Central America, due to weather issues, has strengthened the position of Ecuadorian plantains.
Agropacífico also plans to expand its portfolio of processed products, which includes plantain, cassava, malanga, and taro flour. To this end, they intend to incorporate new, higher-speed packing machines. "Demand is constant throughout the year, and our goal is to continue innovating without losing sight of the quality that characterizes us," Zambrano concluded.
For more information:
Juan Carlos Zambrano
Agropacífico del Ecuador
Tel.: +593 99 397 7773
Email: [email protected]
www.agropacificoecuador.com