In a global market dominated by Costa Rica's huge exports, grabbing a piece of the pie is not easy. Margins are reduced each year and it appears that only large-scale production can be profitable. How do you compete when you cannot reach these high volumes? The answer lies in differentiation, as not all MD2 pineapples are the same.
"Our fruit is different, as tested by specialised technicians, who confirmed its greater firmness, which makes it more suitable for processing. It extends the shelf life after processing and ensures a more consistent flavour," explains Ana Lizette Avilés Simpson, of the company Agroeden.
As a producer and exporter of MD2 pineapples based in Santo Domingo, Ecuador, Agroeden harvests pineapples of all calibres 365 days a year and has about 650 hectares of crops.
"We started in 2005 with the goal of offering a sustainable alternative in the global MD2 pineapple market, and to achieve this, we seek to grow with our customers and establish close relationships. By paying close attention to their advice we obtain the product best fitted to their needs," affirms Ana Lizette Avilés Simpson.
In recent years, Costa Rica's large production, the fall in international prices and the rise in production costs caused Ecuadorian pineapples to lose presence in the international markets and many large companies left the country.
"In Ecuador, costs have been growing in recent years, but this cannot have an impact on the customers, because otherwise you'd stop being competitive; additionally, being sustainable undoubtedly results in higher production costs, but this can entail long-term benefits. We target conscious clients who value the effort we make to improve the community, the treatment to our employees and our care for the environment."
The company owns its own, modern packing house.
In its quest to reach these customers, the company attended Fruit Logistica in Berlin last February. "We were looking for new partners to diversify and we are really happy; we realised that Ecuador is already on the radar as a pineapple producer," she explains, adding: "Many customers told us they were looking for an alternative to Costa Rica, because they were unhappy with the social responsibility factor. Not only do they want good fruit, but they value the fact that we are Rainforest Alliance certified."
More information:
Ana Lizette Avilés Simpson
AGROEDEN
T: +593 9 93772259
analizetteaviles@agroeden.com.ec