Banana sales in China are currently at their peak. Over $4.4 million were exported in June alone, coming close to the amount for the entire year 2011, when the Asian country bought around $5 million.
Border issues between China and the Philippines, which continue to this day, were another reason causing fruit sales to rise.
This conflict led to a decline in exports from Manila to Beijing. Thus, Ecuadorian bananas have gained a foothold in the Chinese market.
The brands with greater presence are Dole and Favorita, but also "Hola Chica."
However, Yin Xing Trade, responsible for the latter's imports, reported quality issues last June.
This is due to the strong quality controls adopted by Chinese health authorities after the food safety scandals suffered.
Supermarkets such as Lotus, Tesco, RT-Mart, Olé and City Shop sell the Ecuadorian fruit ensuring high hygiene standards to avoid any problems.
The Ecuadorian government considers this stage as an opportunity to improve the reputation of Ecuadorian fruit and consolidate its share in the market of the world's second largest economy.
Eduardo Ledesma, president of the Exporters Association, said that 900,000 banana boxes have been sold to China up until June. He hopes that by the end of the year the tendency will be maintained or even improved.
For the executive, it is necessary to ensure a place in this market, which has tremendous potential.
The issue between the Philippines and China should be solved in September, but it is certain that Ecuadorian sales will not fall, as the Chinese market bases its choice on the high quality of Ecuadorian fruit.
In the same month, an Ecuadorian company mission representing various productive sectors will travel to Beijing. The goal of this visit is to improve trade relations with China. Business opportunities with this market focus on exports of agricultural commodities and processed food, fresh fruit, fruit juice, etc.
Ledesma is confident that the government will increase efforts to avoid losing markets in the European Union, Russia and the United States. He also called on the authorities to increase their presence in countries such as Argentina, Chile, Brazil, China, Peru, Turkey and South Korea.
Source: Hoy