Ecuadorian tropical fruit exports from January to August increased by 38%, according to the Central Bank of Ecuador (BCE). This rise is largely driven by non-traditional products like pitahaya, pineapple, passion fruit, tree tomato, and lulo, which have gained recognition in global markets due to their quality and nutritional benefits.
Pitahaya leads the sector with a 40% increase from $128.1 million in 2024 to $179.9 million in 2025. Its main markets are the United States, the EU, and Canada, where demand continues to rise. Pineapple grew by 27%, reaching $52 million, driven by exports to the EU, the U.S., and Chile.
Among emerging products, lulo (naranjilla) exports increased by 367%, reaching $2.7 million. Cranberries increased by 186%, with $2 million exported to the United States, Singapore, and the European Union. Other tropical products also saw notable growth: Tree tomato exports increased by 43%, granadilla by 67%, and passion fruit by 20%, highlighting the diversification of Ecuador's exports.
The ECB report also emphasizes the remarkable rise in in-shell coconut sales, with sales soaring by 2,824%, primarily to Colombia. Additionally, less common products like curuba (taxo) and mangosteen entered international markets for the first time, with curuba experiencing a 207% increase and mangosteen generating $423,000 in exports, respectively.
Other fruits with steadier growth also helped strengthen the sector. Avocado increased by 9%, and soursop and custard apple saw a 34% rise.
In 2025, Ecuador expanded its global presence by opening new markets for its tropical supply. It shipped pitahaya to Argentina, Guatemala, and Costa Rica; blueberries to the UAE; mandarins to the United States; avocados to Argentina and Costa Rica; and its first mangosteen exports to the EU, Canada, and the UK.
According to the Ministry of Production, Foreign Trade, and Investment, these results demonstrate the success of the national strategy of diversification and internationalization. This strategy encourages the development of value-added, sustainable, and competitive products, establishing Ecuador as a trustworthy supplier of exotic fruits.
With these advances, the government of Ecuador affirms its commitment to boosting agro-industrial exports, which are essential for job creation and economic growth in producing regions.
Source: ecuador221.com.ec
