Just three months ago, FreshPlaza reported dragon fruit supplies in Ecuador exceeded demand and prices had collapsed as a result. “Ecuador harvests yellow dragon fruit several times a year and each harvest period is about four to six weeks,” says Ricardo Roggiero with Freshway Produce.
“Back in February and March there was a big harvest of both yellow and white dragon fruit that caused a supply-exceeds-demand situation. Now, a new harvest of yellow has started, and prices are much higher.” The current field price is $3 - $4.50/kilogram while the price usually is between $1.50 and $2/kilogram. What is causing the market to turn around in such a short amount of time? The current harvest started two weeks ago, and volumes are much lower compared to earlier this year. “The big harvest back in February/March exhausted the plants and they are now taking time to recuperate,” Roggiero said. “In addition, technological advancements on the growing side are required to improve yields.”
Currently, harvest is taking place in the Palora area in Ecuador, which will have fruit for the next three weeks. Between mid-July and mid-August, harvest will switch to Los Bancos. “It’s hard to tell how big the volume from that area will be, but we’re hearing it’s also going to be a smaller harvest.” Between mid-October and early November, harvest switches back to the Palora region.
Photo recently taken at Freshway's packing house in Ecuador.
High prices impact demand
With volumes being so low, Freshway Produce makes sure to supply clients they have a year-round relationship with. “However, the high prices have a downfall as they are impacting demand. The strong market at origin makes it more difficult to distribute dragon fruit at the moment.”
El Niño phenomenon in 2023 - 2024
For the coming months, the dragon fruit industry in Ecuador is very concerned about the El Niño weather phenomenon. El Niño causes the sea temperature to elevate, bringing lots of rain in the coastal areas of Ecuador and Peru. “This is of big concern as dragon fruit is a cactus plant that doesn’t need much water. Excess water could result in problems with fungus and we’re especially worried about white dragon fruit,” Roggiero commented. Although the intensity of El Niño is unknown at this point, the NOAA has confirmed that El Niño conditions are present.
For more information:
Ricardo Roggiero
Freshway Produce
Tel: (+1) 786-300-4485
sales@freshwayusa.com
www.freshwayusa.com