Ecuador, the world's leading banana exporter, has opened Banana Time, Latin America's largest convention dedicated to the banana sector. The event called for cooperation, innovation, and sustainability to strengthen Ecuador's global position amid ongoing phytosanitary and supply-chain challenges.
The 22nd edition of Banana Time, organized by the Association of Ecuadorian Banana Exporters (AEBE), began on Tuesday in Guayaquil. The convention serves as a platform to discuss market trends, crop protection strategies, and future directions for the global banana trade.
AEBE president Jorge Encalada said, "Banana Time Guayaquil 2025 is not only the most important event of its kind in Ecuador but also Latin America's key forum for the banana industry, bringing together science, public policy, and business strategy to confront global market challenges."
He added, "This year, with a focus on phytosanitary issues, we want to reaffirm that this event is the essential meeting point for anticipating trends, building partnerships, and defining the direction of Ecuador's most exported fruit."
At the opening ceremony, Agriculture and Livestock Minister Danilo Palacios and Production, Trade and Investment Minister Luis Alberto Jaramillo expressed government support for the sector. Palacios highlighted the resilience of Ecuador's banana industry, recalling past challenges such as the black sigatoka outbreak in the 1980s, which was successfully managed, as well as the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia–Ukraine war.
He noted that the sector would also be able to overcome the threat of Fusarium wilt.
The convention brought together representatives from across the value chain, including producers, exporters, suppliers, researchers, government officials, and financial institutions. Banco Guayaquil, one of the main sponsors, was represented by corporate banking manager Pablo Martínez, who emphasized the banana industry's relevance within the bank's portfolio.
Source: EFE Comunica
